A fresh political clash has emerged ahead of the 2027 presidential election after Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
Akiolu made his position known when the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, visited his palace in Lagos.
“For the next four or five years, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the monarch said
He cautioned political actors against using the Machiavellian principle that “the end justifies the means” in their pursuit of electoral
He argued that the next president will be determined through the ballot box, rather than by endorsements from influential individuals.
“There will be a vacancy in 2027 because the Constitution says so. You may endorse Tinubu, but you cannot endorse him on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians,” he added.
‘Democracy is not coronation’
Atiku also linked the political debate to the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, saying many citizens are struggling with hunger, insecurity and the rising cost of living.
“While the palace may be insulated from today’s hunger, insecurity and crushing cost of living, millions of Nigerians are counting every painful day until 2027,” he said.
The former vice-president said the Oba was entitled to have a preferred candidate but should not present the 2027 election as already decided.
“Kabiyesi, democracy is not a coronation. You may have a preferred candidate, but you do not have the authority to declare Nigeria’s presidential election se
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