The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term, declaring that Aso Rock would have no vacancy for the next four or five years.
Akiolu made the declaration when the presidential campaign council (PCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by its director-general, Abdulaziz Yari, paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Lagos.
“For the next four or five years, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the monarch said.
The traditional ruler called on politicians to ensure that the 2027 general election is peaceful and conducted in the interest of Nigerians.
He also urged members of the APC campaign council to be truthful in their dealings and avoid actions that could threaten peace and stability in the country.
Akiolu warned politicians against applying the Machiavellian principle that “the end justifies the means” in their pursuit of electoral victory.
Speaking earlier, Yari said the delegation visited the monarch to seek his royal blessing, prayers and counsel ahead of the council’s nationwide campaign activities.
He disclosed that the council had earlier visited the Sokoto Caliphate before travelling to Lagos.
Yari appealed for continued support for Tinubu, saying the council believes the president deserves another term to consolidate the achievements of his administration.
He pointed to the administration’s efforts to tackle economic challenges, insecurity and infrastructure development as some of the reasons for the council’s support.
While acknowledging the economic difficulties being experienced by Nigerians, Yari said some indicators showed signs of improvement, particularly regarding the availability of funds and efforts to stabilise the economy.
On insecurity, the former governor of Zamfara State said Tinubu had continued to provide support and equipment for the military and police.
He also recalled Tinubu’s support for the emergence of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing the security challenges confronting the country at the time.
Yari said the council’s backing for Tinubu was not simply based on political reciprocity but on its conviction that the president should be given the opportunity to continue implementing his plans for the country.
He added that members of the council from the northern region would work towards securing support for Tinubu’s re-election.
Receiving the delegation, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu 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 different capacities, including former governors, a former Senate president, former speakers and serving governors.
He described Lagos as a major political centre and the country’s commercial and economic nerve centre, saying the visit underscored the importance the APC attaches 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.