Benin monarch throws weight behind Tinubu, calls for continuity

The second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a boost on Tuesday as the Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, called for continuity, saying there was no point seeking change for its own sake.

The monarch, who reiterated the political neutrality of the Benin Palace, said his position should not be interpreted as support for any political party.

Oba Ewuare II spoke when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to the Benin Palace to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“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 monarch appealed to former governors, senators and other political leaders to work together in the interest of the country, stressing the importance of cooperation between the ruling party and the opposition.

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“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.

Speaking earlier, Yari said the delegation was at the palace to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for Tinubu’s re-election 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 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 speaking, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, thanked the Omo N’Oba for his royal blessings, noting that the President deserved a second chance.

Idahosa said equity, fairness and justice in Nigeria demanded that the South be allowed to secure a second term after Tinubu’s first term.

“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 win the 2027 Presidential election,” he said.