The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu I, has declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term, saying there will be “no vacancy” in Aso Rock in 2027.
The monarch made the declaration on Monday when the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, and members of his delegation visited his palace in Lagos.
Akiolu said he was confident that Tinubu would retain the presidency, citing what he described as the President’s performance since assuming office.
The monarch’s endorsement adds to the growing political activity surrounding the 2027 presidential election, with parties and political blocs already mobilising supporters across the country.
Recent reporting confirmed that Akiolu expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure another term and described the President’s record as sufficient reason for his continued support.
Monarch calls for unity
Beyond his political endorsement, Akiolu urged Nigerians to embrace honesty, hard work, unity and sincerity of purpose.
He cautioned against allowing political disagreements to develop into permanent divisions, stressing the importance of national cohesion despite differences over political parties and candidates.
The appeal comes as Nigeria’s political environment becomes increasingly competitive ahead of 2027, with opposition parties and coalitions seeking to challenge the governing All Progressives Congress.
Tinubu’s camp, meanwhile, has continued to strengthen its political structures and grassroots mobilisation efforts in preparation for the election.
Yari’s visit to the Lagos monarch formed part of the APC’s wider engagement with influential traditional and political stakeholders as the party works to consolidate support for the President.
The former Zamfara governor has also been undertaking grassroots consultations in different parts of the country as the APC prepares its re-election campaign.
2027 contest takes shape
The political landscape ahead of the 2027 election is already defined by competing ambitions.
Tinubu is seeking a second term, while opposition figures including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi are among the politicians positioning themselves for the presidential contest.
Political alliances are also evolving, with the African Democratic Congress emerging as a major platform for opposition mobilisation.
The Oba’s comments therefore carry political significance, particularly given Lagos’s historical importance to Tinubu’s political base and the APC’s organisational structure.
However, traditional endorsements do not determine electoral outcomes, which will ultimately depend on registered voters, party structures, campaign performance and the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
For the APC, securing strong support in Lagos and maintaining its broader national coalition will be central to its re-election strategy.
For the opposition, the task will be to convert dissatisfaction with the government into a sufficiently broad electoral coalition capable of challenging the incumbent.
As the 2027 contest draws closer, statements such as Akiolu’s are likely to become increasingly common as political actors, traditional institutions and civil society groups weigh in on the direction of the country.
For now, the Oba of Lagos has made his position clear: he expects Tinubu to remain in Aso Rock beyond 2027.