The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has backed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, declaring that there is “no vacancy in Aso Rock” ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to The Guardian, Akiolu made the declaration as the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council began consultations with traditional rulers ahead of the election.
The monarch expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure another term, citing what he described as the president’s performance in office.
“One important thing that I know very well is that for the next four or five years, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” Akiolu said.
He also urged politicians to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid treating political disagreements as permanent divisions.
“Politicians don’t fight; they only disagree to agree later,” the monarch said.
Traditional rulers weigh in
The APC campaign delegation, led by former Zamfara State governor Abdulaziz Yari, also visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
Unlike Akiolu, the Sultan stopped short of endorsing a particular candidate and instead urged Nigerians to carefully assess campaign promises before deciding who to support.
He also advised political parties and candidates against exploiting insecurity and other national challenges for political gain.
Yari told the monarchs that Tinubu had laid what he described as important foundations for Nigeria’s long-term development.
“Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a foundational leader who has laid the foundation, who has done the structural work necessary for this country to develop,” Yari said.
He added that the APC would campaign peacefully and present the administration’s achievements to Nigerians.
The differing messages from the traditional rulers come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the ruling APC and opposition parties increasing consultations across the country.
