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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Why opposition parties endorsed Sanwo-Olu, by CPP

    •Flag bearer promises inclusive government

    The Coalition of Progressives Political Parties (CPPP) yesterday explained that  it endorsed the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for governor because he represents its vision and passion for the development of the Centre of Excellence.

    The coalition, which is made up of 45 parties, explained that there is no line of ideological demarcation between it and the ruling APC in Lagios State.

    Its leader, Otunba Aderemi Fatukasi, said: “The next 50 years of the state must cut a path to create a framework for leaders that are not only visionary, but also inspirational with a passion for development.”

    A chieftain of the coalition, Akinola Obadia, said: “This is historic. It has never happened before in Lagos State. forty five of 58 opposition parties in the state are supporting the APC candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The coast is clear for him to win next year’s election.”

    The opposition parties include Accord, Freedom and Justice Party, Unity Party of Nigeria, PPP, PPA,  AMPP  and GPP.

    The opposition leaders listed their demands,  including an improved environment, improved security, resolution of the traffic snarl, correction of the Lastma and BRT  deficiency, and programmes for widows and youths.

    At the endorsement ceremony, which held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu promised to appoint a Senior Special Assistant  (SSA) to serve as a link between his government and the parties, if elected as governor.

    He was accompanied by his running mate, Dr  Obafemi  Hamzat, his campaign manager, Tayo Ayinde,  Cardinal  James Odunmbaku, Ademorin  Kuye, Abiodun  Made, Alawiye  King,  Nosiru  Musa,  Abiodun  Mafe, Bayo  Ajisebutu,  Goke  Salvador,  Hameed  Olorunoje,  Shamusideen Olaleye, Wale Adelana, Joe Igbokwe,  Sesan Daini, Remi Adikwu  Bakare, and Gboyega Akosile.

    The flag nearer promised an all-inclusive government, stressing that the initiation and implementation of developmental projects will be shaped by need analysis and people’s preference.

    The leader of the Coatition of Political Parties, Otunba Aderemi Fatukasi, said it is imperative that Lagosians should vote for Sanwo-Olu,  adding that he will build on the achievements of former Governors Bola Tonight and Babatunde Fashola (SAN), and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    He said the former Commissioner for Establishment and Training will defend the giant strides of the previous governments in infrastructural development, security, transportation, traffic management, education, tourism and health sector.

    Describing Sanwo-Olu as a politician endowed with vision, inspiration and passion for development,  Fatukasi said having excelled as a private sector operator, special adviser, commissioner in three ministries and Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation, Sanwo-Olu will live up to expectation as governor.

    Sanwo-Olu promised to sustain the bond of cooperation between the APC and the opposition platforms and give them a sense of belonging.

    He said himself and his running mate will perform to expectation,  adding that they are prepared for the task ahead.

    Sanwo-Olu  described Hamzat as a strategist person and a dependable ally, recalling that he had done Lagos proud as a former Commissioner for science and technology, and works.

    Sanwo-Olu promised to tackle the challenges highlighted by the opposition leaders, urging them to cooperate with him to succeed in next year’s election.

    He said: “ I have the interest of the populace at heart. I am passionate about my people. Roads, bridges are important. But, human beings are more important. We genuinely intend to serve. We will not discriminate.”

  • Lagos APC names Hamzat as Sanwo-Olu’s running mate

    The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday officially named Dr Obafemi Hamzat as the running mate of Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, its governorship candidate for the 2019 elections.

    The Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Tunde Balogun announced Hamzat’s choice at a news conference in Ikeja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that speculations about the choice of Hamzat, a former Commissioner for Works became rife after he stepped down for Sanwoolu shortly before the primary.

    Balogun said Hamzat was selected after wide consultations by the Apex decision making body of the party with other important stakeholders.

    He described Hamzat as a competent hand, saying the party had no doubt of the complementary role he would play in helping Sanwoolu move the state forward

    “The highest decision making body of APC together with all the relevant stakeholders of APC in Lagos State have endorsed Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as the running mate to the candidate of APC in Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “After the endorsement, it is important for me to publicly and officially present Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as the running mate of our candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the 2019 gubernatorial election in Lagos State,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu, commended the choice of Hamzat as his running mate, expressing confidence that the former Commissioner would help realise a better Lagos.

    He said he had known Hamzat for years personally and professionally and that he could vouch for his competence and integrity to help deliver a better Lagos.

    “Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat and I have been players in the same political matters for many years.

    “We have been friends and brothers for close to two decades and he is a man of deep intellectual knowledge. He is a man of high level of integrity.

    “He is competent and I know he is going to help greatly to deliver the Lagos of our dream. With a technocrat like Hamzat, we will take Lagos to the next level,” he said.

    In his acceptance speech, Hamzat thanked the party for choosing him and Sanwoolu to fly its flag in the elections.

    He said he and Sanwoolu knew what was required to deliver a better Lagos, promising to do his best if the party gets the mandate.

    “Lagos is dear to all of us and If Nigeria will be great, Lagos must be great. And as such the party decided to look for somebody who has the experience to run the state, in the person of Mr Sanwoolu.

    “We are now a global village and what we do in Lagos affects everywhere in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

    “So, I am very happy. I feel very happy and I feel a sense of responsibility that the party after sitting together, have selected me to be his running mate so that we can work together with our experience.

    “We have known each other for over 15 years professionally and personally. So, we have the chemistry and I dare say that we understand the geography of Lagos.

    “Mr Sanwo-Olu and I understand what it requires to cook what Lagosians desire. So, we promise to do our best to deliver the Lagos of our dream,” he said. (NAN)

  • 45 opposition parties endorse Sanwo-Olu

    •Candidate to appoint SSA on Intra-party Affairs

    No fewer than 45 opposition political parties yesterday endorsed the candidate of the ruling Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) for governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The leaders and members of the parties promised to mobilise Lagosians to vote for him in next year’s election.

    The parties include Accord, Freedom and Justice Party, Unity Party of Nigeria, PPP, PPA, AMPP and GPP.

    The opposition leaders listed their demands, including an improved environment, improved security, resolution of the traffic snarl, correction of the LASTMA and BRT deficiency, and programmes for widows and youths.

    At the endorsement ceremony at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu promised to appoint a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to serve as a link between his government and the parties, if elected as governor.

    He was accompanied by his running mate, Dr  Obafemi  Hamzat, his campaign manager, Tayo Ayinde,  Cardinal  James Odunmbaku, Ademorin  Kuye,  Alawiye  King,  Nosiru  Musa,  Abiodun  Mafe, Bayo  Ajisebutu,  Goke  Salvador,  Hameed  Olorunoje,  Shamusideen Olaleye, Wale Adelana, Joe Igbokwe,  Sesan Daini, Remi Adikwu  Bakare, and Gboyega Akosile.

    The flag bearer promised an all-inclusive government, stressing that the initiation and implementation of developmental projects will be shaped by need analysis and people’s preference.

    The leader of the Coalition of Political Parties, Otunba Aderemi Fatukasi, said it is imperative that Lagosians should vote for Sanwo-Olu, adding that he will build on the achievements of former Governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola and the incumbent Akinwunmi Ambode.

     

    He said the former Commissioner for Establishment and Training will defend the giant strides of the previous governments in infrastructural development, security, transportation, traffic management, education, tourism and health sector.

    Describing Sanwo-Olu as a politician endowed with vision, inspiration and passion for development,  Fatukasi said having excelled as a private sector operator, special adviser, commissioner in three ministries and Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation, Sanwo-Olu will live up to expectation as governor.

    Sanwo-Olu promised to sustain the bond of cooperation between the APC and the opposition platforms and give them a sense of belonging.

    He said himself and his running mate will perform to expectation, adding that they are prepared for the task ahead.

    Sanwo-Olu  described Hamzat as a strategist person and a dependable ally, recalling that he had done Lagos proud as a former Commissioner for science and technology, and works.

    He promised to tackle the challenges highlighted by the opposition leaders, urging them to cooperate with him to succeed in next year’s election.

    He said: “I have the interest of the populace at heart. I am passionate about my people. Roads, bridges are important. But, human beings are more important. We genuinely intend to serve. We will not discriminate.”

  • ‘Sanwo-Olu will build on Ambode’s achievement’

    Ganiu Johnson is a former Lagos State Commissioner for Works. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he speaks on why he wants to represent Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives and other issues.

    Why do you want to represent Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 2 at the National Assembly?

    I have been involved in lots of activities since my retirement from public service and I believe the only way I can continue to render service to my people is to represent them at the National Assembly. Being in politics will give me an opportunity to give back to the Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 2 that has been supportive over the years.

    Which areas are you looking at making your impact felt to the people?

    I want to say that, in terms of dividend of democracy, I will ensure the people feel the impact. Knowing that at the end of the day, I will be a legislator, my own is to make laws; all the laws that will encourage the improvement of the wellbeing of the people. We will be looking at the areas of education, public infrastructure, empowerment and economic enhancement. When you look at all of these, you discovered that the people actually need them in order to live meaningful life.

    What are the problems confronting the constituency?

    We have been on the struggle for a while. If you take Isolo road for instance, the traffic system needs improvement. When the roads are properly channeled, it would lead to economic growth that and would improve the traffic situation. If you are from Ejigbo or from Ikotun just after the bridge, we have a single carriage way there, but when the area is opened up to allow free traffic, economic life will get a boost. Again, immediately after Pako area, there is a gridlock there and there is the need for us to improve on the roads there. The roads have to be converted to dual carriage ways. Though making it a dual carriage ways will cause some discomforts, it means when you are expanding the roads, you will go into what is called the right of way. The right of way means taking part of the buildings on the other sides. That will create some hardships, but at the end of the day people will enjoy it. These are usually the thing that brings economic improvement. So, with my own background, if we are able to do that up to Dalekan and dualize the old Isolo Bridge, the traffic will greatly improve. This will also improve the economic activities of the people. If there is free flow of traffic, commercial vehicles will make money, the average person will also have money at his disposal. Apart from the commercial vehicles covering many trips at a time, the commuters will pays less because they would not be facing traffic gridlock. The average commuter will sleep better at home instead of rushing out in order to avoid traffic gridlock. He will enjoy good health devoid of stress that accompanies traffic gridlock. When you quantified all these, you will see that an average person will benefit from less stress on the roads. Most of the health challenges people are facing is due to stress on the roads, so an average person in our constituency will enjoy the reforms. We would be able to do that because, I know how to lobby, that is to say I have to lobby my colleagues for the execution of the projects.

    The APC National Assembly primary was a stiff contest in Lagos. What factors assisted you in clinching the ticket?

    I want to say it is part of what we have been doing that the people recognized. More than 12 years ago, I have identified with my people, so it was not a strange thing when I told them that I am interested in the race. For your information, I visited all the wards, I visited the LCDAs. In my entire visit, they acknowledge the fact that I served the people and it was just payback time. It was an appreciation of the goodwill which we have extended and was reciprocated by the people.

    You were a former commissioner and now you want to be a lawmaker. How will you fit into the turf?

    For me, this is not a new terrain, as commissioner, I had interaction with my colleagues and friends at the state assembly. So, it is not new to me because during their oversight functions, we meet to look at issue. During budget defence they invite us and we interacted. In areas where we have differences, we settled it, so it is not something new to me. I will say that I am part of the system. Now that I will be on the other side, it will be easier for me to fit in because I know my expectations. But, something the people are not aware that as a lawmaker, we don’t award contracts. It is people in the executive that award contracts but we can influence award some contracts that will be beneficial to the people. This can be done through lobby, I am aware of that. As a commissioner, I knew the interface between the executive and the legislature.

    What are the chances of the APC in the 2019 election?

    I can tell you that our party will win the election. If you are talking in term of integrity, President Muhammadu Buhari has that working for him. And when we started, we promised the people three cardinal points; on corruption, security and economic recovery. If you go through and want to be fair to him, the President had done well. Forget about Boko Haram, even other countries like United Kingdom (UK), they are facing similar challenges, so if we have pockets of that in the country that does not mean that he had not tackled security. We have a very good change, we are not afraid of Atiku. I know that our President will emerge by the grace of God in 2019.  In politics, there are so many things you have to understand. One of them is the party and second integrity of that person that is the flag bearer. In Lagos, Sanwo-Olu is a person that I know very well. And fortunately, we were in Fashola’s cabinet together. So, I know him very well and don’t forget that all these people that participated during Ambode’s victory are still there including me, when Agbaje contested against him. So, we all work together, the structure is still there. Any political party without a structure is a failure. I can tell you that we have a very robust structure in Lagos to win against any party. Our structure is very robust, our people are well committed.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I don’t see Agbaje in the picture, we will win. Sanwo-Olu will win by the grace of God.

    Your party has been facing challenges since its primary, how will it get over it before the election?

    It is normal to have things happen that way. Irrespective of the party, the after primaries side effect is always there. It is the party’s responsibilities to carry out reconciliation. Even at my own level here, we move about to see all the contestants and shook hands with them to reconcile. It is a normal thing and that we should all come together for the sake of the party. We have to debate, dialogue and agree. Politics is a give and take affair. I am sure that we will overcome it. This is not the first time; we can accommodate it because our structure is very robust.

    Lagosians are apprehensive about the completion of the projects embarked upon by Governor Ambode. They fear that the projects may be abandoned…

    First and foremost, don’t forget that it is the same party. There is continuity, let me start from our national leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in 1999 to 2007 he embarked on some projects. And when Babatunde Fashola came, he continued with that because there is a blue print. He continued from where Asiwaju stopped. He took Lagos to the next level. When Ambode came because of that continuity, he produced some new projects and these new projects I can assure you that the new person that is coming will not neglect or abandon the projects. Don’t forget that it is in our interest of the people to continue with the projects. Government is a continuum, he must and I can tell you that he will because I know the thinking of the party. Some of these things are what we discuss in the cabinet. So, there is no cause to fear.

     

  • I’ll campaign for Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, says Ambode

    •Governor accompanies Buhari to Seme

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has assured Nigerians, especially Lagosians, that he will lead a strong campaign to ensure victory for President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in next year’s general elections.

    Ambode made the promise when he addressed reporters at the Presidential Wing of the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, after receiving and accompanying President Buhari to the inauguration of the new Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) border posts at Seme-Krake in Badagry.

    The governor said it was important for the APC to retain its leadership positions at the federal and the state levels.

    He said: “I have just accompanied Mr. President to the Nigerian-Benin Border Post. So, what we have inaugurated today is a joint border patrol post between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin; it is called Seme-Krake Border Post.

    “But again, just to also use this opportunity to let Lagosians know that we are heavily committed to the re-election of Mr. President, you can see that his continuous visits to Lagos reiterate the fact that he is actually a lover of Lagos State. I am committed to ensuring his re-election.

    “We are going to campaign heavily for him. I am also committed to ensuring that the APC wins the governorship election come 2019. We support the candidacy of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and we will make sure that APC retains Lagos State and the centre.”

    The governor earlier received President Buhari at the airport before they proceeded to Seme where the President joined his Republic of Benin counterpart, Patrice Talon, to inaugurate the border post.

     

  • Sanwo-Olu won’t disappoint Lagosians, says Razak

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Chief Lanre Razak, has said the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, is a public sector expert in manpower development and policy formulation with great capacity to consolidate on the people-oriented policies and programmes of the state government.

    He said Sanwo-Olu would not disappoint the residents, if elected governor next year.

    Razak, a former Commissioner for Public Transportation, stated this in his congratulatory message to Sanwo-Olu on his victory at the recent governorship primary of the APC.

    He said the decision to field him against the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was collectively taken by the party’s leadership and not the making of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Expressing his confidence in the ability of the flag bearer to deliver democracy dividends in accordance with the ideals and manifesto of the party to Lagosians, Razak said Sanwo-Olu’s track record as a former banker and his rich experience in the public sector for many years, would come in handy to give the residents purposeful administration.

    He described Sanwo-Olu as a politician with the requisite capacity, experience and integrity to render selfless service for the greater welfare of the people.

    Razak said: “I am encouraged by the fact that our candidate has promised to accord priority attention to education, health, sanitation, proper tax levels, infrastructure, economic development, job creation, improved public services and to implement policies and programmes that will raise the quality of lives of the people.

    “There is no doubt that he has what it takes to succeed in governance since he has been a major player in the development architecture of the state since the administration of former Governor Bola Tinubu and the confidence of the members of the APC in him was aptly demonstrated during the recent governorship primary where he defeated his opponent.

    “I believe he has the capacity to unify the party, take the state to greatness and won’t take Lagosians for granted.”

    Reacting to insinuation that the candidate was imposed on members of the party, Razak insisted that the APC “under the dynamic leadership of Asiwaju Tinubu, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) met and critically examined all the issues involved and agreed that the best man for the job of Lagos governor at this time is Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, given his sterling credentials and impeccable track record of service”.

    He added: “I want to appeal to the electorate in Lagos to accept our candidate and vote massively for him and other APC candidates during the elections next year because he is a loyal party man, honest and hardworking person ready to serve his fatherland and meet the aspirations of the generality of Lagosians. He is capable of taking the state to the next level of socio-economic development.

    “The people should view his emergence as the triumph of party supremacy and see the recent disagreement among APC members in the state as democracy in action. I urge members of our great party to put the past behind them and unite in order to defeat the opposition parties at the federal and state levels during the general elections in 2019.”

    Razak, who is also the Balogun General of Epe and a member of the GAC, hailed Asiwaju Tinubu for his leadership qualities, patriotism and immense contribution to the development of not only Lagos State but other parts of the country.

    He said: “We want to thank our great leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, for his vision, foresight and commitment to good governance. Those of us who are close to him can vouch the fact that the overall interest of Lagos State and the country has been his guiding principle in taking certain vital decisions that some people may not know why.”

    Razak also hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his achievements, including the war against corruption, tackling security challenges, improving the economy and providing infrastructural facilities.

    He urged the electorate to re-elect him next year to consolidate the progress his administration has made so far.

     

  • ‘Lagos APC women will mobilise for Sanwo-Olu’

    The Southwest Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Kemi Nelson, has said that women in the party will mobilise other women in Lagos State to vote for the governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in next year’s election.

    She urged the party women to educate other women on the need to get their permanent voter’s cards ready, ahead of the exercise.

    Nelson advised them to live by example by getting their cards ready before they start admonishing their targets to do the same.

    The women leader spoke at the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Office, GRA, Ikeja, which hosted party women from the 57 local councils for a sensitisation meeting.

    They were received by the campaign manager, Tayo Ayinde, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Bayo Osiyemi, the woman leader, Bolanle Akinyemi-Obe, Sesan Daini, Bayo Ajisebutu and Abiodun Mafe.

    At the meeting were Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, Mrs. Kehinde Babalola, Bola Lawal-Olumegbon, Mrs. Toun Adediran, and women members of the state executive committee of the party.

    Ayinde thanked the women on behalf of Sanwo-Olu and urged them to sustain the tempo of loyalty and commitment. “We appreciate you for voting for Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the primary and we also solicit your support for our candidate during the general elections. Sanwo-Olu will not disappoint you. He will not disappoint Lagosians.”

    Nelson highlighted the challenges ahead, advising the women to gird their loins.

    She said: “Go and get your PVCs. Mobilise in your wards, local governments and constituencies. The reward after voting will commensurate with your contributions. This time around, reward will be based on efforts.”

    Odunmbaku thanked the women for their devotion and commitment to the party.

    He said much is expected of them during the election, assuring that their efforts will not be in vain.

    The Director of Women Affairs at the campaign organisation, Akinyemi-Obe said: “We are ready. Lagos APC Women are prepared to mobilise other women to get their PVCs ready and vote for Sanwo-Olu at the poll. As APC women, we are on ground. Other indigenes are also carried along. Non-indigenes, especially women, are with us because we do not discriminate against them and they have been enjoying the dividends of democracy in the Centre of Excellence.”

     

  • Ambode’s aide seeks support for Sanwo-Olu, APC candidates

    The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement, Adeyemi Olabinjo, has urged members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area to ensure the success of the party at all levels in next year’s general elections.

    He also urged members to eschew all forms of bitterness trailing the recently primaries of the party.

    The governor’s aide assured them that APC leadership would carry them along in the preparations for next year’s polls.

    Speaking at an event to kick-start the mobilisation of prospective voters in Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area, Olabinjo, who is a former Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said he had put behind him the experience of the last party primaries in which he contested to represent Ifako Ijaye Federal Constituency.

    The governor’s aide urged his supporters to do same in the overall interest of the party.

    Emphasising the supremacy of the party, Olabinjo said: “I have met our leaders, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. They have spoken. As a good and loyal party man, I have obeyed. I urge you all to imbibe the same spirit in the interest of our party.

    “In the 2015 governorship election, Ojokoro came third in the votes delivered; this time round, I want us to come first by voting massively for President Muhammadu Buhari, our governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other candidates of our party in the State and National Assembly elections.”

    The well-attended event was attended by leaders of the Igbo, Southsouth, Arewa and Nupe communities in Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area.

     

  • Sanwo-Olu: I won’t disappoint Lagosians

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised to implement people-oriented programmes, if elected in next year’s election.

    He promised not neglect the master plan for development, which has given the state an edge in the last 19 years.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke on his plans for the Centre of Excellence during his “thank you” visit to party elders and leaders from the Lagos East Senatorial District, who converged on Presken Hotel, Ikeja for a meeting.

    He thanked God for his victory at the direct primary and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his support. He also thanked the party elders, leaders and other stakeholders from the district for supporting him, despite his inability to meet with all of them before the primary.

    Sanwo-Olu described Lagos West as a diverse and outstanding in numbers and in all ramifications, adding that no candidate can take it for granted. “All of you are leaders in your own right. I appreciate you all,” he added.

    The flag bearer was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Aina, his campaign manager, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Dr. Tola Kasali, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, Bayo Ajisebutu, Sesan daini,  and Segun Dawodu.

    He was received by Oluwa, Chief Oladele Ajomale, Dr. Abayomi Finnih, Prof. Tunde Samuel, Chief Sunny Ajose, Chief Funso Ologunde, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Bayo Osiyemi, Demola Sodiq, Dr. Solomon Akin-Aina, Mrs. Kehinde Babalola, Shamushedeen Olaleye, Pa Olabimtan, Toke Benson, Dr. Adesola Taiwo, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Ayodele Adewale, Hon. Lekan Ifemade, Wale Adelana, Yemi Ali, and Emmanuel Bamgboye.

    At the meeting, Southwest All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader Chief Kemi Nelson warned party members about the danger of underrating the opposition in Lagos State in next year’s governorship election.

    Nelson, the Yeyesewa of Lagos, thanked Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for returning the party to its members, urging Sanwo-Olu to build in the tradition after his victory at the poll.

    She also advised him to protect the interest of women, saying that they usually toil and labour for the victory of the party at the polls.

    Peeping into 2019, Nelson said: “We should not underrate the opposition. We should carry all the people along. We should mobilise well for the poll.”

    Also, Lagos West APC leader Prince Rabiu Oluwa called for unity and understanding among party leaders and members to avoid the repeat of the electoral defeat in some federal constituencies in 2015.

    The party elder recalled that Lagos APC lost some Houses of Assembly and Representatives seats due to unresolved post-primary crises that hit the platform.

    While Nelson charged the party faithful to gird their loins and work hard for victory, Oluwa, a member of the Governorship Advisory Council (GAC), said the party should go into the polls as a united fold.

    Reflecting on the challenges triggered by the politics of nominations, the flag bearer waved an olive branch, promising to meet all aggrieved aspirants and incorporate them into his campaign structures.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “All our former aspirants who were not successful at the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and even senatorial primaries; we must reach out to them so that they will not harbour bitterness and a sense of injustice. We will meet them individually and collectively. They have their followers. They must remain in the party. It is not just we versus them or them versus we. We own the party and state together.”

    The flag bearer also acknowledged that much work has to be done to retain power, urging the political family to prepare for the task ahead.

    He said: “Work has just started. The work is not for APC alone. It is for all Lagosians. We have to tell our church members, customers in markets, neighbours, our friends. Let us unite as we forge ahead in the election.”

    Sanwo-Olu promised to preside over a “listening government” that will be guided by need analysis, feedback from people on government activities and constant consultations with stakeholders.

    He added: “We must resolve to beat our opponents from other parties at the polls. We need to embark on door-to-door campaigns, which will be effective. It is time to roll up our sleeves. It is time not to take anybody for granted. We are one big family. We want to ly a good foundation for the future of our children.

    “We must appeal to aggrieved aspirants who lost out in the primaries. They should not leave the party. I will hold meetings with them to reassure them that accommodation will be found for them in the larger and collective interest of our party.”

    Shedding light on his promise to set up an all-inclusive government, Sanwo-Olu said: “We must reach out to all our followers and supporters at the grassroots, and other Lagosians who do not have access to the governor. There is poverty in the land. We must make life better for them. That is what good governance is about; government of the people, by the people and for the people.”

    He added: “We will spread the dividends of democracy to reach all and sundry. No one will be left behind and none will be forgotten. We at the APC family will be busy between now and the end of the year. It is going to be your government. It will be participatory. We will always feel your pulse. We will not promise and fail. We will deliver the greatest good to the greatest number of our people”

    Finnih said: Sanwo-Olu is for the development of Lagos. All of us are behind you. God is also behind you. The voice of the people is the voice of God.”

    Ajomale congratulated Sanwo-Olu and promised that the people of Osodi/Isolo Constituency will vote for him at the poll.

    He added: “Since 1998, we have never lost Lagos. We will not lose Lagos in 2019. We were in the cabinet together. He (Sanwo-Olu) is a responsible person. Lagos West is the largest district and we will always deliver the highest number of votes in the country. We have Alimoso, Ikeja, Agege, Badagry, Mushin, Osodi. Osodi will deliver the highest votes. Lagos West has never disappointd APC. We will not disappoint Sanwo-Olu.”

    Ayinde said the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket was gathering momentum, nothing that 1,000 people have voluntarily enlisted in the campaign team.

    He said: “Our incoming governor has come to simply say thank you. Because of the exigency of time, our in-coming governor was not able to visit all the leaders of the districts. His humility, friendliness and passion for the development of Lagos have advertised him. Because of that, a lot of people have voluntarily joined the campaign team. We now have 1,000 members in Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu campaign Organidation (BOSCO).”

    Urging Sanwo-Olu to forge ahead with excitement and optimism, he added: “Our people are behind you. Our leaders in the district are behind you. We will not fail you. We will deliver you. By May 2019, you will be the governor of Lagos State. “

     

  • Lagos: Sanwo-Olu promises to reconcile aggrieved aspirants

    Southwest All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader Chief Kemi Nelson yesterday warned party members about the danger of underrating the opposition in Lagos State in next year’s governorship election. Also, Lagos West APC leader Prince Rabiu Oluwa called for unity and understanding among party leaders and members to avoid the repeat of the electoral defeat in some federal constituencies in 2015.

    The party elder recalled that Lagos APC lost some Houses of Assembly and Representatives seats due to unresolved post-primary crises that hit the platform.

    While Nelson charged the party faithful to gird their loins and work hard for victory, Oluwa, a member of the Governorship Advisory Council (GAC), said the party should go into the polls as a united fold.

    The party elders spoke at Ikeja during the “thank you” visit of the Lagos State governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to Lagos West APC elders and leaders.

    Accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Aina, his campaign manager, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Dr. Tola Kasali, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, Bayo Ajisebutu and Segun Dawodu, the flag bearer and his entourage were received by Oluwa, Chief Oladele Ajomale, Dr. Abayomi Finnih, and other party chiefs.

    Reflecting on the challenges triggered by the politics of nominations, the flag bearer waved an olive branch, promising to meet all aggrieved aspirants and incorporate them into his campaign structures. Sanwo-Olu said: “All our former aspirants who were not successful at the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and even senatorial primaries; we must reach out to them so that they will not harbour bitterness and a sense of injustice.

    “We will meet them individually and collectively. They have their followers. They must remain in the party. It is not just we versus them or them versus we. We own the party and state together.”The flag bearer also acknowledged that much work has to be done to retain power, urging the political family to prepare for the task ahead. “Work has just started. The work is not for APC alone. It is for all Lagosians. We have to tell our church members, customers in markets, neighbours, our friends. Let us unite as we forge ahead in the election.”

    Oluwa, who presented a golden horse to the candidate, said: “We need to unite. In 2015, we lost some votes, especially some House of Assembly and Representatives seats. It was due to in-fighting. We have work to do. It is a big work. Sanwo-Olu said he wanted 2.5 votes from Lagos. It is not easy. We can’t stay home and achieve that. We have to work. “The campaign manager, Ayinde, who is also from the West District, said the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket was gathering momentum, nothing that 1,000 people have voluntarily enlisted in the campaign team. Urging Sanwo-Olu to forge ahead with excitement and optimism, he added: “Our people are behind you. Our leaders in the district are behind you. We will not fail you. Ewe will deliver you. By May 2019, you will be the governor of Lagos State.”