2027 Elections: Oba Akiolu warns against thuggery, violence

.Tasks APC chairmen on hard work, integrity

.Predicts Tinubu’s victory 

.Meets 36 APC chairmen in Iga-Idungaran Palace 

By Olasunkanmi Akoni 

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged Nigerians, especially the youth not to allow themselves be used as tools for violence during the forthcoming 2027 general elections in the interest of progress and development of the nation. 

Akiolu, however, predicted a convincing victory for the President in the 2027 Presidential election, urging Nigerians and political stakeholders to give the President the political space required to advance reforms aimed at economic stabilisation, institutional strengthening and national cohesion.

The highly revered monarch, made the remarks on Saturday, during a courtesy visit by 36 Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum, led by it’s chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, accompanied by some state Local Government Chairmen, at his Iga-Idungaran Palace, Lagos.

Akiolu, however, urged state chairmen to embrace hard work, honesty and integrity, stressing that selfless leadership remains essential to national progress and good governance.

On violence, he urged young people to shun political thuggery, hate speech, and all forms of electoral violence, stressing that peaceful elections are essential for Nigeria’s democratic growth.

Akiolu stressed that youths have a vital role to play in promoting peace, unity, and national development by participating responsibly in the electoral process.

He also political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to conduct their campaigns peacefully and uphold the rule of law before, during, and after the elections. 

Akiolu who said that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility, urged all citizens to work together to ensure a credible and violence-free electoral process

He also called on Nigerians to keep supporting the administration of President Tinubu with prayers.

According to Akiolu, “Be patient with President Bola Tinubu as he implements reform programmes for the country to get better,” the monarch stated.

“President Tinubu means well for Nigerians and he is a man who is grassroots focused. 

“We should be patient, everything good needs prayers. I assure you that the President will do well for this country. He loves Nigeria, he is doing his best for the nation.”

The monsrch, who acknowledged the virtues of vibrancy and hardwork of the Nigerian youths, urged them to engage in productive ventures and shun violence.

He commended the President and his wife for their efforts in uniting the nation.

Akiolu described some politicians as self-serving, myopic and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic stability. 

“President Tinubu has taken bold steps to stabilise the economy and strengthen national institutions. 

The monarch noted that recent progress in the North and across the country, attributimed it to the President’s policies and leadership. 

“If given the chance to complete his reform programme, I am confident the President will win landslide and convincingly in 2027.”

He urged political actors to prioritise constructive engagement over destabilising tactics and called on citizens to support policies that promote sustainable growth, security and unity.

Akiolu affirming strong support for President Bola Tinubu, expressed confidence that he will emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.

“No matter any manoeuvre, Asiwaju is going to emerge president in the next coming election,” he declared.

Akiolu however, urged Nigerians to pray for the president’s good health, peace and unity, stressing that the country’s future ultimately rests in the hands of God.

He charged the party officials to remain committed to the party’s ideals while working diligently to advance the country’s development.

Akiolu also urged the chairmen to place Nigeria’s interest above personal gain, saying effective political leadership must be anchored on honesty, dedication and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

“Go to your various states and work hard with sincerity and honesty. Those who are not doing it for monetary gains should remain steadfast,” the monarch said.

Akiolu acknowledged the country’s prevailing security, economic and business challenges, urging Nigerians not to lose hope but to remain united and seek God’s guidance in overcoming the nation’s difficulties.

According to him, despite the current hardships, leaders and citizens alike must continue working towards peace, stability and sustainable development, adding that national progress can only be achieved through collective responsibility and sincere leadership.

Akiolu also appealed to journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession by reporting accurately and responsibly, saying constructive journalism contributes to national development while sensational reporting could undermine peace.

“My good friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan always says politicians think of the next election, while statesmen think of growth and development,” he said.

The Oba condemned vote-buying and the monetisation of politics, warning that the practice weakens democracy and undermines credible elections.

He also encouraged eligible Nigerians who had yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to register and participate actively in the electoral process, describing voting as a civic responsibility rather than a financial transaction.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, assured the monarch that party leaders across the country were working to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.

Tenebe said APC state chairmen had resolved to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s administration and ensure improved electoral performance across their respective states.

“We are working in our various states to ensure we deliver even more votes than the President received in the last election,” he said.

He disclosed that the APC in Edo State had set a target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the next presidential election, attributing the optimism to what he described as the developmental strides of both the President and the Edo State Government.

“We promised that we would give Mr President 2.5 million votes because of what he is doing in our state and what the governor is doing. It is going to be replicated in all the states,” Tenebe added.

He thanked the Oba for receiving the delegation and for offering royal blessings, expressing confidence that the prayers and goodwill of the revered monarch would inspire party members as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.

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