Kingsley Ohens reporting 

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Nigerians to support continuity in governance, stressing that there is no justification for seeking change merely for the sake of change.

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

Oba Ewuare II, while emphasising the non-partisan nature of the Benin throne, said continuity should be considered on the basis of what is in the best interest of the country.

“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 urged former governors, senators and other political leaders to work together for the progress of Nigeria, stressing the need for 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.

The monarch further cautioned against excessive criticism of political leaders, noting that nobody was perfect, while stressing the importance of peace and tranquillity in the nation’s political space.

Earlier, Yari explained that the delegation was at the palace to seek the monarch’s royal blessings, prayers and support for President Tinubu’s re-election.

“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 improvements in the nation’s economy under the Tinubu administration, citing growth in GDP, a decline in inflation and increased stability in the foreign exchange market.

Yari said 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 consequently described President Tinubu as the right person to lead the country beyond 2027.

Also speaking, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, thanked the Oba of Benin for his royal blessings and expressed support for President Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

Idahosa argued that the President deserved the opportunity to continue his administration, stressing the principles of equity, fairness and justice in the country’s political arrangement.

“For us in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is the leader and he is leading well. We have a lot of projects to campaign with, and the people of Edo State will vote massively for President Tinubu to enable him win the 2027 Presidential election,” the Deputy Governor said.

The engagement at the Benin Palace formed part of the PCC’s consultations and mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The statement was issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.