The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, received the most important approval of all yesterday when the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) raised his hand as the state’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election.
In the presence of the entire leadership of the Lagos State chapter of the APC, Tinubu openly endorsed the Governor and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for a second term.
At the party’s stakeholders’ meeting held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa yesterday, Tinubu raised the hands of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat in approval of their bid to continue in office beyond 2023.
This development puts to rest all rumors about Sanwo-recent Olu’s endorsement for a second term by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Tinubu’s support for Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat has also put to rest speculations in some quarters, particularly on some online news platforms, that the APC National Leader had replaced Sanwo-Olu with Mustapha Olorunfemi, a former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service.
Tinubu stated that the Governor and his deputy had formed an unbreakable team to raise the bar of excellence in governance and service delivery in the state, with visible accomplishments and progress to show for their efforts.
This, according to the APC National Leader, earned the duo the opportunity to run for a second term, rather than the blanket endorsement sought by many politicians.
Tinubu, a leading presidential candidate on the APC platform, said Lagos had remained a source of pride for residents and other Nigerians seeking responsive governance and progress under Sanwo-leadership. Olu’s
“We have a brilliant Governor at the helm, who is supported by his deputy to build an unbreakable team that has raised the bar of excellence in governance in Lagos,” he said. I would especially like to thank Dr. Hamzat, who has been an excellent assistant and pillar of support to the Governor.
“Sanwo-Olu has raised an impenetrable team with Hamzat.” I applaud both of you and the entire cabinet. You’ve all done fantastically well, and I must say I’m very proud of you.”
Tinubu’s raising of Sanwo-hand Olu’s was preceded by a motion moved by Hon. Saidat Oladunjoye, Vice Chairman of APC (Lagos East), for open endorsement of the Governor by the party’s leadership. Hon. Kehinde Joseph, a member of the House of Assembly representing the Alimosho Constituency, seconded the motion. This was approved by all stakeholders present.
The APC National Leader, on the other hand, stated that the party in Lagos would not prevent any aspirant vying for any position from testing their strength at the primaries, noting that all candidates that the party would field across elective positions must go through a delegate electoral system.
“Aspirants who are interested in positions ranging from the House of Assembly to the governorship, go and get your forms; you will be contesting primaries,” Tinubu said. In the primaries, there will be no favoritism.
“We want you to compete and put your popularity to the test.” Nobody will ask you to step down for another aspirant. Let all aspirants mobilize their supporters; if you win, you win. There will be no refund of the nomination form if you lose.”
Tinubu urged all party leaders at the local government level to rise above their challenges and collaborate with community leaders in their respective councils to mobilize for the APC’s victory in the general election.
He directed the resolution of all grievances and disagreements among party members before the primaries, emphasizing that division would not benefit party candidates running for office.
Speaking during the stakeholder’s meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Asiwaju Tinubu paid the N50million fee for APC Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for his second term bid.
“Asiwaju Tinubu is a generous man who does a lot for the people.” “He paid for my APC nomination and expression of interest forms for a second term,” he explained.
Sanwo-Olu thanked Tinubu for his leadership and thanked the GAC leaders for standing by his government despite personal attacks from those the Governor referred to as “wayward children” who turned against the party elders after benefiting from them.
The Governor said it was time for the party members across levels to foster cohesion and work for the APC’s success in the State and at the federal level.
Sanwo-Olu, who described Tinubu as a “priceless symbol” of Lagos, said all hands must be on deck to ensure that the State does not lose the APC presidential ticket at the party’s national primaries.
“It is time for us to come together as determined party members and show genuine love towards our National Leader, who is our priceless symbol and pride in Lagos,” he said. We’re taking him nationally, and we need to make sure his family is completely united.”
The stakeholders’ meeting, called at Tinubu’s request, was attended by Lagos APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, party executive members, GAC members, senatorial leaders, and stalwarts from all local council
- Tags: 2023 Elections, APC, Lagos APC, Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu
