The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Saturday expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.

The traditional ruler and a former police officer, however, stressed that his greatest desire was a 2027 election devoid of violence, hatred, and bitterness across the country.

Mr Akiolu spoke at his palace in Lagos while receiving members of the All Progressives Congress State Chairmen Forum during a courtesy visit.

The visit of the party chairmen, led by the Lagos State APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, was part of the forum’s three-day meeting in Lagos.

Mr Akiolu said political calculations and human manoeuvres could not override God’s will in determining leadership.

“No matter the manoeuvres or political calculations, I remain confident that, by the grace of God, this election will end in victory for President Bola Tinubu.

“More importantly, I pray that it will be peaceful. What we should all pray for is good health, long life, and a peaceful nation where every Nigerian can live in harmony,” the traditional ruler said.

Mr Akiolu appealed to politicians across party lines to shun violence and embrace peace before, during, and after the elections.

“As we move towards the election, I appeal once again: let us reject violence, hatred, and bitterness. Let us embrace peace, unity, and national development,” he said.

The traditional ruler urged Nigerians to place their trust in God, saying political authority ultimately came from the Almighty.

He also urged Nigerians to uphold integrity and reject discrimination based on religion or ethnicity.

He noted that every successful nation had overcome periods of hardship, urging Nigerians not to lose hope in the country’s future.

Earlier, Mr Ojelabi said the forum was at the palace to receive the royal blessings after the party primaries, for victory in the just-conducted off-cycle elections, and ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, Edo APC chairman Jarrett Tenebe said, “All the state chairmen are working day and night to ensure they turn in the kind of votes that nobody ever imagined in this election that is coming.”

According to him, Edo has promised the president 2.5 million votes in the 2027 election.

(NAN)