Oba of Benin backs Tinubu for second term, urges continuity

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, urging Nigerians to support continuity in governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The monarch made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari. Oba Ewuare II stated that Tinubu deserves a renewed mandate to "finish the good work" he has started. "For somebody who is doing well, it is our prayer that he gets a renewed mandate," the monarch said. He appealed to Nigerians not to seek change for its own sake, cautioning against excessive criticism of political leaders. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," he added, referencing a biblical passage. The PCC delegation visited the Benin Palace to seek royal blessings and support for Tinubu's re-election bid. Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, conveyed the president's regards and highlighted the administration's economic achievements. He cited figures showing that annual GDP growth had risen from 2.7% in 2023 to 3.9%, while inflation had declined from 22.9% to 15.9%.