By Adeyemi Adeleye
The Oniru of Iru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen’s Forum to work tirelessly for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Lawal made the appeal on Sunday when members of the APC State Chairmen’s Forum visited the Oniru Palace in Lagos to seek royal blessings.
The visit formed part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections and efforts to strengthen support for its candidates nationwide.
The traditional ruler charged the party leadership to ensure victory for Tinubu and all APC candidates, saying another term would consolidate ongoing reforms and development programmes.
“I want to appeal to you to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in 2027.
“On our part as traditional rulers, we shall continue mobilising our people and encouraging them to support the President.
“We want him to complete the developmental programmes he has begun for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the royal father stated.
Lawal recalled serving as Tinubu’s Aide-de-Camp when he became Lagos State governor in 1999, describing their relationship as one built on mutual trust.
He said the relationship gradually evolved into that of a father and son, adding that the President remained approachable and receptive to constructive advice.
Lawal said: “He listens attentively and carefully considers every issue presented to him.
“He is one of the best listeners I have ever known, and he genuinely cares about the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.”
The traditional ruler maintained that Tinubu’s record as Lagos governor and President reflected a consistent commitment to infrastructure development and national transformation.
According to him, several landmark projects initiated during Tinubu’s governorship laid the foundation for Lagos’ emergence as a modern megacity.
“When he assumed office in Lagos, there was no Blue Line, no Red Line and many parts of the city were overwhelmed by refuse.
“He initiated the Lekki corridor development and laid the foundation for the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
“Today, the Free Trade Zone is thriving, while the Lekki Deep Sea Port has become one of West Africa’s most important maritime assets,” he said.
Lawal said he documented many of Tinubu’s achievements as Lagos governor in his book, ‘From City to Megacity’, presented to the visiting APC chairmen.
He explained that the publication chronicled policies and projects that transformed Lagos into one of Africa’s foremost commercial and economic centres.
“President Tinubu is a leader who fulfils his promises. From education reforms to student loans, his record speaks for itself.
“We therefore appeal to you to support him in completing the work he has started,” the traditional ruler added.
Lawal assured the APC leaders that traditional rulers would continue praying for the success of the President, the ruling party and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Onisiwo of Tarkwa-Bay, Tomaro and Abagbo, Oba Mohammed Yussuff, commended the forum for seeking the blessings and support of traditional rulers.
“We appreciate President Tinubu for the reforms he has initiated across the country. He has done so much.
“My appeal to all party leaders and politicians is to continue giving him maximum support. National transformation is a gradual process.
“Nigeria has gone through many difficult years, but we thank God that we have a leader committed to putting the country on the right path,” Yussuff stated.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Langbasa community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Oba Hafeez Badiru, pledged continued prayers for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“I appeal to all of you to hold your various state chapters of the party in trust for millions of members. Please, do not disappoint them.
“Continue giving your fullest support to President Tinubu, your governors and all APC candidates in your respective states,” he said.
The Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba, Oba Ibikunle Fafunwa-Onikoyi, urged party leaders to remain focused as preparations intensified ahead of the elections.
“Let us all remain focused. Our message should be loud and clear: by the grace of Almighty God, President Tinubu will return in 2027,” he said.
Earlier, the Lagos State APC Chairman and Chairman of the APC State Chairmen’s Forum, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, outlined the purpose of the visit.
Ojelabi said party chairmen from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were in Lagos to review strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Our mission is to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Ojelabi said.
He explained that the delegation had visited major infrastructure projects across Lagos State to appreciate their scale and impact firsthand.
“We have toured the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery and other landmark projects.
“We also had the opportunity to ride on the Blue Rail Line. These monumental developments have greatly impressed us.
“These projects demonstrate the vision and foresight of President Tinubu. They are evidence of purposeful leadership and long-term planning,” Ojelabi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo