The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has called on Nigerian youths to reject political violence and participate peacefully in the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The
monarch made the appeal on Saturday when he received members of the Forum of All
Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen, led by the forum’s chairman,
Cornelius Ojelabi, during a courtesy visit to his palace at Iga-Idungaran in
Lagos.
Akiolu
urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to
foment violence, stressing that peaceful elections remain critical to the
country’s democratic development.
He
also called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to conduct
their activities in accordance with the law before, during and after the
elections.
According
to the monarch, the nation’s youths have a significant role to play in
promoting peace, unity and national development through responsible
participation in the electoral process.
He
also appealed to APC state chairmen to demonstrate honesty, integrity and
selfless leadership in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that
national development depends on leaders who place public interest above
personal gain.
The
traditional ruler expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
urging Nigerians to remain patient with the administration as it implements
economic and governance reforms.
“Be
patient with President Bola Tinubu as he implements reform programmes for the
country to get better. President Tinubu means well for Nigerians and is
grassroots-focused,” Akiolu said.
He
maintained that the President had taken bold decisions aimed at stabilising the
economy and strengthening national institutions, expressing confidence that the
reforms would yield positive results if given sufficient time.
Akiolu
also predicted victory for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying he
believed the President would secure another mandate if allowed to complete his
reform agenda.
The
monarch further urged Nigerians to continue praying for the President, as well
as for peace, unity and stability across the country, while acknowledging the
prevailing economic and security challenges facing the nation.
He
condemned vote-buying and the growing monetisation of politics, warning that
such practices undermine democracy and the credibility of elections. He also
encouraged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and
participate actively in future elections.
Akiolu
equally appealed to journalists to uphold professional ethics by reporting
accurately and responsibly, saying balanced journalism contributes to national
peace and development.
Speaking
on behalf of the delegation, the APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe,
said 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 improve the party’s electoral performance nationwide.
He
disclosed that the party in Edo State had set a target of delivering 2.5
million votes for the President in the next presidential election, attributing
the optimism to what he described as the developmental efforts of both the
Federal Government and the Edo State Government.
He
thanked the Oba of Lagos for receiving the delegation and for offering prayers,
expressing confidence that the monarch’s blessings would encourage party
members as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
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