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| No Vacancy in Aso Rock: Igwe Asadu Backs Tinubu |
A respected Enugu monarch has stepped into a heated national debate, warning would-be contenders that President Bola Tinubu holds firm at Aso Rock. His Royal Highness Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, spoke as First Lady Remi Tinubu handed out professional kits to midwives in Enugu State .
Igwe Asadu serves as the paramount ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom and leads all royal fathers in Enugu State. He rose to that post after the 8th Traditional Rulers Council was reconstituted in May 2024 by Governor Peter Mbah . In June 2024 he was also chosen to chair the South-East Traditional Rulers Council .
At a Renewed Hope Initiative event on June 9, 2025, Mrs Oluremi (Remi) Tinubu flagged off distribution of 10,000 branded scrubs and crocs to midwives across South-East Nigeria . The kits aim to boost maternal care and signal the administration’s focus on women’s health. During the ceremony, Igwe Asadu praised the Tinubu couple’s work on education and health for women .
“As royal fathers in Enugu, we say there’s no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he declared. The remark fended off talk of open contest for the 2027 presidency. He noted the state’s progress in ending unsafe cultural practices and championing women’s welfare .
Aso Rock, Nigeria’s presidential seat, stands as a granite outcrop at 936 m above sea level in Abuja. It hosts the Presidential Complex, National Assembly, and Supreme Court . Since Nigeria’s capital moved from Lagos in 1991, it symbolizes the nation’s executive power .
Support from a traditional ruler carries deep weight in Nigeria. Royal councils serve as community bridges, advising on security, health, and unity. President Tinubu has met landmark councils repeatedly, viewing monarchs as governance partners .
Yet critics warn such endorsements can undercut democratic fairness. Some see monarchs as tilting local influence toward incumbency, sidelining open debate . A former Ohanaeze Ndigbo spokesman, Mazi Chuks Ibegbu, argues that unchecked support erodes public trust in democratic processes .
To balance, government spokespeople stress that monarchs play only advisory roles. The Presidency asserts democracy under Tinubu remains strong, citing a wave of defections into the ruling party as voluntary expressions of confidence .
Enugu’s women leaders cheered the midwives’ kits drive. Local nurses noted kits reduce on-the-job gaps and boost morale. A senior midwife said better gear means safer deliveries and improved outcomes .
Still, broader economic hardships shadow the ruling party. Rising living costs and inflation sparked protests earlier in 2025. Youth strikes in northern states showed discontent with fuel subsidy removal and wage reforms . Analysts say such unrest tests the bond between royal assurances and grassroots realities.
Politically, Tinubu’s first year saw tax reforms and currency changes. While his allies hail these as necessary fixes, opponents claim they hit the poor hardest. Critics warn these policies fuel inequality and weaken support over time .
Looking ahead to 2027, various contenders eye Aso Rock. The President’s camp cites continuity over change. They argue Tinubu’s work on health, women’s inclusion, and agricultural pushes, often backed by monarchs, will secure his legacy .
In contrast, opposition voices stress transparent primaries and inclusive debates. Former vice-president Atiku Abubakar has called for a broader dialogue on electoral reform and free press freedoms. He warns that royal endorsements alone cannot legitimize a mandate .
Local NGOs urge town-hall style reviews. The Media Rights Agenda notes that a healthy democracy thrives on open discussion, not just elite nods. They call for civil society engagement ahead of any royal endorsements .
Amid these debates, Igwe Asadu’s show of support highlights the ongoing role of tradition in modern Nigerian politics. As the country balances reform and stability, royal voices will remain key players. Their backing can boost current leaders or, if withdrawn, signal shifting political tides.