2027: Oba of Benin Calls for Continuity, Says No Point in Change for Change’s Sake
Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abdulaziz Yari, and other members of the council with Oba Ewuare II of Benin
By Arit Mbeh
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Nigerians to support continuity in governance, cautioning against seeking political change merely for the sake of change.
The monarch spoke 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 stressing that the Benin throne remained politically neutral, said continuity should be considered where governance was producing positive results.
“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 urged former governors, senators and other political leaders to put national interest above partisan considerations and work together for the progress of Nigeria.
The Oba also advocated greater cooperation between the ruling party and opposition parties, arguing that political differences should not prevent leaders from supporting policies that benefit the country.
“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 cautioned politicians and Nigerians against excessive criticism of leaders, stressing that no human being was perfect.
“Is there anybody who is so perfect as I am talking now? Nobody,” he said, while emphasising his preference for peace and tranquillity.
“I am American and British trained as a diplomat, and I say it the way it is,” the Oba added.
Earlier, Yari said the delegation was at the palace specifically to seek the monarch’s blessings, prayers and support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
“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 economic gains recorded under the Tinubu administration.
According to Yari, Nigeria’s annual GDP growth has increased from 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent, while inflation has declined from 22.9 per cent to 15.9 per cent.
He further claimed that the administration had stabilised the foreign exchange market, describing Tinubu as the right person to continue leading the country.
The visit comes as political parties and campaign structures intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with continuity, economic reforms and national development expected to remain central issues in the emerging political contest.
