2027: Oba of Benin urges Nigerians to support continuity in governance

By Jethro Ibileke

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Nigerians to support continuity in governance, saying there is no need to seek change merely for its own sake.

The monarch spoke on Tuesday when the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to the Benin Palace to seek royal blessings for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Oba Ewuare II who cautioned against excessive criticism of leaders, noting that no one is perfect, however clarified that the Benin throne is not partisan.

“The Benin throne is not partisan. There is no point for change for the sake of change. That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other,” he said.

The royal father appealed to former governors, senators and other political leaders to work together in the national interest, stressing the need for cooperation between the ruling party and the opposition.

“In democracy there must be opposition when a party comes to power. I don’t see why an opposition party can’t support the ruling party,” he said.

“Is there anybody who is so perfect as I am talking now? Nobody. I love and like peace and tranquillity. I am American and British trained as a diplomat, and I say it the way it is,” Oba of Benin added.

Earlier, Yari thanked the monarch for the reception and said the visit was to seek prayers and support for President Tinubu’s second term bid.

“Our mission today is simple: Mr. President formed the campaign council for his re-election. We are here to seek royal blessings, prayers, and support for the re-election of your son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, come 2027,” Yari said.

The former Zamfara State governor claimed the administration had recorded progress, saying annual GDP growth rose from 2.7 percent in 2023 to 3.9 percent, while inflation dropped from 22.9 percent to 15.9 percent, with stability in the foreign exchange market.

Also speaking, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, who thanked the Oba for his blessings, said the President deserves a second term in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice.

He noted that it is the turn of the South to complete eight years.

“For us in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is the leader and he is leading well as we have a lot of projects to campaign with and the people of Edo State will vote massively for President Tinubu,” Idahosa said.