2027: No Need For Change – Oba of Benin Backs Tinubu

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has backed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

According to the monarch, there is no need to change the leadership of the country “for the sake of change.”

The monarch made the declaration when the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, visited his palace in Benin City, Edo State, as part of consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Although the Benin throne is traditionally non-partisan, Oba Ewuare II said the performance of the incumbent should be considered before Nigerians seek a change of government.

“The Benin throne is non-partisan, but we don’t see any need to change for the sake of change. If the head is doing well, why change for the sake of change?” the monarch said.

The endorsement comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 election, with Tinubu’s campaign team reaching out to traditional rulers and other influential groups across the country.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, led the APC delegation to the Benin Palace as part of efforts to seek support, prayers and counsel for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Yari has previously led similar engagements with prominent traditional authorities as the APC prepares to commence its nationwide campaign activities.

The Oba of Benin’s position comes shortly after another traditional ruler publicly backed Tinubu’s second-term bid.

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, had declared support for the President during a separate visit by the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

He was quoted as saying, “For the next four or five years, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

That declaration led a response from the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, who argued that the presidency was not a traditional stool that could be allocated by a monarch.

Atiku said Nigerians, rather than traditional rulers or political campaign organisations, would determine who occupies the Presidential Villa after the 2027 election.

“Kabiyesi, with due respect, Aso Rock is not an extension of your palace, and Nigeria’s presidency is not a royal stool for you to allocate.

“There will be a vacancy in 2027 because the Constitution says so. You may endorse Tinubu, but you cannot endorse him on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians.

“The people, and not kings, courtiers or APC campaign councils, will decide that through the ballot,” Atiku said.

The former Vice-President also criticised the economic situation in the country, saying hardship, insecurity and the rising cost of living would influence voters when they eventually go to the polls.

“While the palace may be insulated from today’s hunger, insecurity and crushing cost of living, millions of Nigerians are counting every painful day until 2027,” he said.

Atiku added, “Kabiyesi, democracy is not coronation. You may have a preferred candidate, but you do not have the authority to declare Nigeria’s presidential election settled before Nigerians vote. kaaaabiyesi oooooo.”

Despite his endorsement of Tinubu, the Oba of Lagos had also urged politicians to conduct themselves responsibly and ensure that the 2027 election was peaceful. He warned political actors against adopting the Machiavellian principle that “the end justifies the means.”

The APC Presidential Campaign Council was constituted by Tinubu in August as the ruling party intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Under the structure, Tinubu serves as chairman of the council, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda serve as vice chairmen. Yari was appointed Director-General, with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma serving as secretary.

Other senior figures in the campaign structure include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and James Abiodun Faleke.

The council also has directorates responsible for mobilisation, election planning, legal affairs, media and strategic communications, with officials assigned to coordinate activities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Tinubu has directed members of the campaign council to work towards securing victory for the APC, while urging them to highlight what the administration considers its achievements since assuming office.

“We have delivered on our campaign promises and set our country on a path of economic progress. We are definitely out of the dark tunnel and are now at the cusp of reaping the benefits of a prosperous economy that will benefit all Nigerians,” the President said.

He also urged the campaign team to present the administration’s record to Nigerians as the election approaches.

“As we march into the campaign season, we have many achievements to trumpet—let us confidently showcase our record and inspire hope in every corner of our nation,” Tinubu said.

The President added, “Let us soundly defeat all those forces who plan to take our country backwards.”