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Stakeholders have declared that the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by traditional rulers from the South-West geopolitical zone of the country will enhance his prospects ahead of the 2027 election.
They said the traditional rulers backing for the president will strategically influence his 2027 re-election campaign.
Recall that top traditional rulers from the South West, last Wednesday, endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying retaining power in the south is in the interest of fairness, equity and national unity.The monarchs made the declaration in a communiqué read at the end of their meeting held at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Those in attendance included Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife; Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland; Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso; Kehinde Olugbenla, the Olu of Ilaro; Aladetoyinbo Aladewusi, the Deji of Akure; Sefiu Adeyeri, the Aseyin of Iseyin; Abdilrasq Adenugba, the Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye; Rufus Aladesanmi, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti; and Saheed Ademola, the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, among others.
However, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Olatunji Olayiwola, said with the endorsement, the monarchs were expected to mobilise at the grassroots for the President’s reelection.
Speaking, a public analyst, Dele Ogunsola, however said that the endorsement by the monarchs was just a show of solidarity which might not necessarily confer any advantage on the candidate.
“This is because the royal fathers possess no forceful power nfluence how the people vote. It however sends signal to other candidates from the geo political zone that their coming out this time around is wrong and unwelcomed.
“That is very demoralising for them and their rag-tag supporters. The endorsement was also to tell the country their commitment to the idea of rotational presidency.
“It was a subtle way of insisting that the southern part of the country should retain the presidency for another four years for fairness, equity, peace and justice.”
Also, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Taofeek Olaleye, said the monarchs’ endorsement would not doubt enhance the chances of the polls during the 2027 general election.
Olaleye, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Olaf Properties, argued that because the monarchs were close to the grassroots, they have influence on their subjects.
While acknowledging that most Nigerians are yet to felt the impact of the government’s programmes and policy, he said the monarchs are expected to persuade their people so accept and vote the ruling party in the election.
“The traditional rulers’ endorsement of President Bola Tinubu would enhance his chances because their subjects believe and hold them in high esteem,” he said.
To the Yoruba Youth Service Association (YYSA), the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by traditional rulers across the country is a major boost to his second term re-election bid.
The association’s national president, Olalekan Hammed noted that many of the royal fathers wield significant influence over their subjects and could play a decisive role in mobilising support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the youths, several of the traditional rulers had served in various political capacities before ascending their thrones, and therefore command massive followership across party lines that could be mobilised to ensure President Tinubu’s victory.
Meanwhile, the umbrella body of Yoruba youth groups has formally thrown its weight behind President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The association said President Tinubu has performed well in his three and half years in office.
The YYSA cited good policies that stabilised the exchange rate, the subsidy removal initiative, tax reform, NELFUND, loans for industries, and many other initiatives as achievements that deserve to be continued.
“There is no doubt that the positive effects of all his policies would be felt by all Nigerians in the coming years,” the association said.
