The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid to remain in office, saying the President deserves a long tenure because of his performance in office.

Ladoja made his position known on Monday during the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Road in Ogun State, where Tinubu was represented by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

The monarch rejected the suggestion that the gathering was an All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally, arguing that the occasion was primarily convened to appreciate the President for approving a project he described as crucial to the people of Ibadan and surrounding communities.

“I’ve been hearing everybody talking APC, APC. Bola Tinubu is not an APC man, no. Bola Tinubu is working and deserves to be president for a long, long time,” Ladoja said.

According to him, the road project would address longstanding security and transportation challenges along the route, particularly concerns over kidnapping.

Ladoja said residents of Ibadan were familiar with the security risks associated with the road and welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to rehabilitate and dualise it.

“Those of us in Ibadan know that the only area in Ibadan, where terrorists have been kidnapping people is this road,” he said.

The Olubadan argued that Tinubu’s achievements should be assessed beyond partisan considerations, stressing that the President occupied the nation’s highest office for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“He deserves more than being an APC president. He’s not an APC president. He’s president of Nigeria,” Ladoja said.

He, however, acknowledged that the administration’s performance could have political consequences for the ruling party, particularly ahead of future elections.

“The only thing I can look at is that his performance is likely to help the APC win elections. So, we are not discounting the performance of Mr President at all,” the monarch said.

Ladoja further challenged opposition parties to present a convincing alternative if they intend to dislodge the APC, saying voters would ultimately decide the political direction of the country.

“We believe he deserves a long tenure, even though other parties are scrambling to say they are there when they are not visible,” he said.

On the political choices of Ibadan residents, the monarch expressed confidence that the electorate would make its position known when the next election arrives.

“We believe that by the time election comes, the people of Ibadan land will talk,” Ladoja added.