2027: Oba Of Benin Urges Nigerians To Support Continuity
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Nigerians to support continuity in governance, saying there is no point in seeking change 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, prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Oba Ewuare II said the Benin throne was not partisan, adding that his position should not be interpreted as support for any political party.
“The Benin throne is not partisan. There is no point in change for the sake of change. That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other.
“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.
Oba Ewuare II also cautioned against excessive criticism of political leaders, noting that nobody was perfect.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, Yari thanked the monarch for the reception and explained that the delegation was at the palace to seek royal blessings and support for the re-election bid of President Tinubu.
“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 said the Tinubu administration had made progress in the economy, citing changes in GDP growth, inflation, and foreign exchange stability.
Yari said Nigeria’s annual GDP growth had risen from 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent, while inflation had declined from 22.9 per cent to 15.9 per cent.
He added that the administration had stabilised the foreign exchange market and described Tinubu as the right person to lead the country.
Also, the Deputy Governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa, thanked the Oba of Benin for his Royal blessings, noting that the president deserved a second chance.
“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 to enable him to win the 2027 Presidential election”.
