The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, on Saturday, gave a resounding endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid, urging a delegation led by First Lady Remi Tinubu to chant “Tinubu, Tinubu, Tinubu in 2027” to the bewilderment of those present and netizens.
The moment occurred during a condolence visit by Mrs Tinubu and other dignitaries to the Emir’s palace in Daura, Katsina State, over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The viral video capturing the moment has made netizens express divergent views, with some saying the action was unbecoming of the monarch while others praised him for the open endorsement.
The delegation included prominent women in Nigerian politics, such as the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abbas; wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Barau; wives of governors, ministers, service chiefs, and other top female figures.
Speaking during the visit, the Emir commended President Tinubu for what he described as unwavering support to the Daura Emirate and to the late President Buhari, whom he called a true son of Daura and a national icon.
“The visit by the First Lady and her entourage at a time like this demonstrates unity, respect, and genuine affection,” the Emir said. “President Tinubu’s continued support is not just political—it shows togetherness and national spirit in times of grief.”
In a bold political declaration, the nonagenarian monarch stood up, leading the gathering in a chant to drum support for Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.
“Repeat after me,” the monarch said. “Tinubu, Tinubu, Tinubu in 2027.”
The spontaneous chant by the emir and his high-profile guests was seen by many as a traditional but symbolic show of political loyalty and endorsement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, in an emotional tribute to the late President Buhari, the First Lady described him as “not only a statesman but a symbol of integrity, discipline, and devotion to Nigeria.”
“I am here today, together with Hajiya Shettima and a lot of us, to pay condolences to you all,” Mrs Tinubu told the emir. “We also want to acknowledge the queen of Daura Kingdom. We are here not just as a duty of office, but as women who truly cared about President Buhari and what he represented.”
Speaking on Buhari’s legacy, Remi noted, “At the same time, you had a very dignified and proud son that you are supposed to be proud of. The deputy governor and all the sons of Daura should emulate his virtues. It is a painful loss for us, but also a thing of pride to have had such a worthy son from this land who has not only done Daura proud but also the entire nation and the world at large, both as a military man and as a civilian leader.”
She described Buhari as a close ally of her husband and said her presence was deeply personal.
“My husband has lost an ally, a friend of many years. We came to offer our condolences, and to pray that God will console and comfort you, and forgive all his shortcomings,” Mrs Tinubu added.
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