President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to judge his administration by the lives its decisions have touched and the work completed.
Tinubu stated this at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally held on Thursday in Benin City, Edo State.
The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reeled out some of the administration’s achievements in the last three years and urged Edo residents to reciprocate the government’s efforts with their votes.
“We ask that our stewardship be judged by the lives our decisions have touched and the work we are determined to complete,” he said.
Shettima said the signs across the country had given the party reason to expect victory in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
“The signs around the nation have given us reason to expect a good Friday on the January 16, 2027 presidential election. The wise among us say that by Wednesday, one can already tell what Friday will bring,” he said.
Read also: Tinubu’s infrastructural drive secures strong South-South backing ahead of 2027 polls
“Two years ago, you elected His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as your governor. Today, you have gathered in Benin City to assure His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that he can count on you.
“When we came to you four years ago, we assured you that we could not address our nation’s infrastructure deficit without carrying Edo State along. We have not abandoned that pledge.
“My good people of Edo, some work has been completed, some are underway, while other commitments remain before us.
“We have come this far with your trust, and we seek your mandate to finish the work we have begun,” he added.
He said the administration’s achievements over the past years had encouraged the party to return to the people with confidence to seek their support.
Shettima added that the Federal Government had listened to calls for the return of the historical treasures of Benin to their rightful owners.
“We have seen progress in this regard, with Cambridge and Sweden transferring ownership of Benin’s treasures to Nigeria. We honour His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, and all those who have sustained this demand across generations,” he stated.
In his welcome address, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, reiterated his promise to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the January 16, 2027 election.
Okpebholo said the votes would be in appreciation of the President’s contributions to the development of the state.
“In Edo State, we are ready to deliver come January 2027. The President has done so much for Edo people. Today, we don’t owe salaries. We don’t owe pensioners. Construction work is going on everywhere,” the governor said.
He said the construction projects across the state were evidence of the administration’s commitment to development and workers’ welfare.
Also speaking, Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, assured the President that the South-South region would support the APC.
In his speech, Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, urged residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as essential to translating political support into votes.
He urged eligible voters to obtain their PVCs and turn out at their polling units during the election.
Similarly, Abdul’aziz Yari,
Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, urged Edo residents to support Tinubu, citing the administration’s efforts to address insecurity and improve oil production.
The rally was attended by governors, former governors, APC leaders and supporters, including Abdullahi Ganduje and Adams Oshiomhole.
Meanwhile, at the palace of the Oba of Benin, the presidential campaign council sought the prayers, counsel and goodwill of the royal father ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shettima, who led the APC Presidential Campaign Council delegation to the palace, described the monarch as a torchbearer of African culture and civilisation.
“I have always found your Majesty’s personal journeys particularly instructive. Before ascension of the throne, you represented Nigeria as a diplomat in several nations,” he said.
“As we approach another democratic season, we seek Your Majesty’s prayer, counsel and goodwill. We value the role of the Benin throne, a promoter of peace, reconciliation and mutual respect.
“Your Majesty understands what ultimately matters is the welfare of the people and stability of the nation. We welcome your guidance and remain deeply ready to listen to the concern of your Kingdom.”
Shettima congratulated the monarch on the cordial relationship between the Federal Government and the Edo State Government.
“The Federal Government values the role of the Benin throne as a promoter of peace, reconciliation and mutual respect,” he added.
He also highlighted the historical accomplishments of the Benin Kingdom, including the repatriation of looted artefacts, which he said had begun finding their way back to the palace through the efforts of the Oba.
He described the return of the artefacts as an act of justice and national pride.
Shettima noted that the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Palace remained a painful chapter in history and a failed attempt to extinguish the dignity of the Benin people.
He said the continued existence of the monarchy demonstrated the resilience of the people and their ability to preserve their art, craft and civilisation, adding that progress and tradition could enrich each other.
In his response, the Oba expressed delight at the visit and acknowledged the role of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in the efforts to return the artefacts.
“We will be praying for the nation. Most of them are the President. Everything is all said and done,” the monarch said.
Related News
Source: