The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term, saying there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock for the next four or five years.
Akiolu made the statement when the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, paid a courtesy visit to him at his palace in Lagos.
“For the next four or five years, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the monarch said.
The Oba urged political parties and their supporters to ensure that the 2027 general election is peaceful and conducted in a manner that serves the interests of Nigerians.
He also advised members of the APC campaign council to remain honest in their dealings and avoid actions that could threaten peace and stability in the country.
Akiolu cautioned politicians against adopting the Machiavellian principle that “the end justifies the means” in their pursuit of electoral victory.
Yari said the delegation visited the monarch to seek his blessing, prayers and advice ahead of the council’s nationwide campaign activities.
According to him, the council had earlier visited the Sokoto Caliphate before proceeding to Lagos as part of its engagements ahead of the 2027 election.
Yari appealed for continued support for Tinubu, saying the council believes the president deserves another term to consolidate what he described as the gains of his administration.
He cited the administration’s efforts to address economic challenges, insecurity and infrastructure development as reasons for backing Tinubu’s re-election.
The former Zamfara State governor acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians but argued that some indicators were showing improvement, particularly in the availability of funds and measures aimed at stabilising the economy.
On insecurity, Yari said Tinubu had continued to provide support and equipment to the military and police to strengthen their operations.
He also recalled Tinubu’s support for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari during a period when the country was facing serious security challenges.
Yari said the council’s support for Tinubu was not simply based on political reciprocity but on its belief that the president should be given more time to implement his plans for the country.
He added that members of the campaign council from the northern region would work to secure support for Tinubu’s re-election.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who received the delegation, described the visit as significant, noting that the council had chosen to seek the Oba’s royal blessing immediately after its engagement in Sokoto.
Sanwo-Olu said the delegation included prominent Nigerians who had served in various capacities, including former governors, a former Senate President, former speakers and serving governors.
He described Lagos as a major political centre and Nigeria’s commercial and economic hub, saying the visit demonstrated the importance the APC attached to the traditional institution.
The event was attended by APC leaders and stakeholders in Lagos, including local government chairmen, members of the National Assembly and state lawmakers.
