Akiolu urges APC chairmen to shun money politics, predicts Tinubu’s re-election

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Saturday urged state chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace honesty, integrity and selfless service, warning against the monetisation of politics while expressing confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure a second term in office.

The revered monarch gave the charge when he received APC state chairmen, led by the Lagos State APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, at his palace in Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island.

Akiolu said political leaders must place national interest above personal gain and remain committed to the ideals of good governance, stressing that hard work, accountability and sincerity were indispensable qualities for effective leadership.

“Go to your various states and work hard with sincerity and honesty. Those who are not doing it for monetary gains should remain steadfast,” the monarch said.

He urged the party leaders to remain focused on service to the people rather than financial rewards, noting that genuine leadership should be driven by a commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

While acknowledging the country’s security, economic and business challenges, Akiolu appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope but to remain united and continue praying for divine intervention, saying national progress could only be achieved through collective responsibility and sincere leadership.

The traditional ruler also expressed optimism about President Tinubu’s political future, declaring that no political manoeuvre would stop him from winning another term.

“No matter any manoeuvre, Asiwaju is going to emerge president in the next coming election,” he said.

He, however, urged Nigerians to pray for the President’s good health, peace and national unity, stressing that the country’s future ultimately rests in the hands of God.

Akiolu also appealed to journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession by reporting accurately and responsibly, saying constructive journalism contributes to national development while sensational reporting could undermine peace.

Quoting former President Goodluck Jonathan, the monarch reminded politicians that governance should be driven by development rather than electoral calculations.

“My good friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan always says politicians think of the next election, while statesmen think of growth and development,” he said.

The Oba condemned vote-buying and the monetisation of politics, warning that such practices weaken democracy and undermine the credibility of elections.

He also encouraged eligible Nigerians who were yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to register and participate actively in elections, describing voting as a civic responsibility rather than a financial transaction.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, assured the monarch that APC leaders across the country were intensifying efforts to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

Tenebe said state chairmen had resolved to mobilise greater support for President Tinubu’s administration and improve the party’s electoral performance nationwide.

“We are working in our various states to ensure we deliver even more votes than the President received in the last election,” he said.

He disclosed that the APC in Edo State had set a target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the next presidential election, attributing the optimism to what he described as the developmental strides of both the President and the Edo State Government.

“We promised that we would give Mr President 2.5 million votes because of what he is doing in our state and what the governor is doing. It is going to be replicated in all the states,” Tenebe added.

He thanked the Oba of Lagos for receiving the delegation and for offering royal blessings, expressing confidence that the monarch’s goodwill and prayers would inspire party members as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.