2027: Yari rallies traditional rulers behind Tinubu’s re-election

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, on Tuesday, continued its mobilisation of traditional rulers for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

He visited the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, alongside chieftains of the party to mobilise the traditional institutions for the President.

Earlier on Monday, Yari was in Sokoto and Lagos states to consult with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

Yari was quoted as saying during the visits that, “As a presidential campaign committee, we decided to start with the royal fathers to seek their blessing and prayers.”

Speaking on Tuesday, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, urged Nigerians to support continuity in governance, saying there was no point in seeking change just for its sake.

He 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,” 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.

“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.

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“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.

The Deputy Governor, 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,” he said.

After the visit, the delegation proceeded to Maiduguri, Borno State, where they met with the Shehu of Borno.

Among the delegation were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; former SGF, Pius Anyim; former National Chairman of the APC, Umar Ganduje; former Governors Bello Masari (Katsina), Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and the lawmaker representing Agege Federal Constituency of Lagos State, James Faleke, among others.