Oba of Benin calls for governance continuity ahead of 2027 elections

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Nigerians to support continuity in governance, cautioning against seeking political change simply for the sake of change.

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

Oba Ewuare II stressed that the Benin throne remained politically neutral, saying his call for continuity should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

“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,” the monarch said.

He also appealed to political leaders across party lines, including former governors and senators, to put national interests above partisan considerations.

According to him, democracy requires opposition, but political differences should not prevent cooperation when issues affecting the country are at stake.

“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.

The monarch further cautioned Nigerians against excessive criticism of political leaders, noting that no individual is 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 added.

Earlier, Yari said the delegation was at the palace specifically to seek the monarch’s prayers, royal blessings and support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

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“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 also highlighted what he described as economic gains recorded by the Tinubu administration. He said annual gross domestic product 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, alongside increased stability in the foreign exchange market.

Also speaking, Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa thanked the Oba for his blessings and argued that Tinubu deserved another term based on the principles of equity, fairness and justice.

Idahosa said the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year presidential tenure, while also expressing confidence in the performance of the Edo State government under Governor Monday Okpebholo.

“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,” he said.

The visit comes as political activities and consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the APC seeking to consolidate support for Tinubu’s re-election across the country.