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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • I will be a listening governor – Sanwo-Olu

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday said he would run a government based on the wishes of the people if elected.

    He made the pledge at Ikeja while speaking during a ‘Thank You’ visit to party members in the Lagos West senatorial zone.

    The APC candidate said his policies and programmes would be based on the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

    He added that he would always keep a listening ear in serving the state.

    Sanwo-Olu, who spoke in Yoruba, said he was seeking the number one seat in the state out of the passion to serve the people and take the state to greater heights.

    ”I am in the governorship race because I want to serve the people.

    ”I promise, when we are elected by the Grace of God, I shall run a government based on the aspirations of the people.

    ”I will be a listening governor. I will attend to the needs of the people.

    ”I am here to serve and I will do my best to take the state to greater heights,” he said.

    While appreciating party members for electing him as candidate in the just concluded primaries, Sanwo-Olu said he believed his choice was out of the confidence they had in him to address issues needing attention.

    The candidate, however, urged members to brace up for the challenges ahead by mobilising members and residents to secure victory in 2019.

    Sanwo-Olu urged members to put the primaries behind them and work together to ensure that APC was victorious in 2019.

    “I thank you for supporting me to get this far. I am very grateful and I will not disappoint you.

    “But the task ahead is bigger; it is no more a party affair, but we are going to the general election.

    “So, I want to appeal to you that we start our preparations right from now.

    ”We should reach out to everyone and carry out this project together.

    “We should put the issues of primaries behind us and stay together.

    ”I know some people might feel bad that they could not realise one aspiration or the other, it is natural.

    “But we need to put all of that behind us and bring everyone on the train to ensure victory in 2019.”

    Sanwo-Olu said APC had earned the confidence of residents through the delivery of democratic dividends.

    Chief Rabiu Oluwa, Lagos West Senatorial Leader of the party, described Sanwo-Olu as a man with the passion and the vision to move Lagos forward.

    He said party members had confidence in him, hence his emergence as the governorship candidate.

    Oluwa urged party members to continue to support the candidate to ensure victory in 2019.

    Also speaking, the South-West Zonal Woman Leader of the party, Mrs Kemi Nelson, urged party members to redouble efforts to ensure victory for the party.

    Nelson appealed to party members not to underrate the opposition, but that they should see the Sanwo-Olu project as one in which they had to give their best.

    “We should not underrate the opposition at all; we should not pretend they are not there.

    ”We should work, work and work hard and do our best to ensure victory for our candidate and our party,” she said.

    Nelson said she would mobilise women to ensure the candidate win overwhelmingly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Obafemi Hamzat, a former Commissioner of Works and Chief Henry Ajomale, the immediate past chairman of the party in the state, were present at the gathering.

    A member of the party’s Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Dr Abayomi Finnih, was also present among other members. (NAN)

  • How Sanwo-Olu can succeed, by Olusi

    •Party elders urge APC candidate to learn from history

    Lagos Central All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Prince Tajudeen Olusi yesterday advised the Lagos State governorship candidate, Jide Sanwo-Olu, to learn from the mistakes of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, if elected in next year’s election.

    He also advised the flag bearer to restructure his campaign organisation to reflect inclusiveness to prevent the pervading perception that his candidature is on the platform of the Mandate Group, a caucus within the chapter.

    Olusi, a Second Republic member of the House of Representatives and former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, reminded chieftains behind the various groups and caucuses in the Lagos APC that the order banning the groups was still in force.

    The elder statesman urged Sanwo-Olu’s associates to cultivate the habit of telling him the blunt truth to avoid slipping into the pit, warning that those who fail to learn from history are liable to commit the same mistake.

    Noting that party elders made strong moves to avert the obstacles on the second term ambition  of the governor, Olusi  said Ambode lost the chance to be re-nominated as a matter of destiny.

    The party elder charged the people of the district to gird their loins, stressing that the next governorship election will be a big battle.

    Olusi spoke at the ‘thank-you’ visit of Sanwo-Olu to Lagos Central APC faithful. At the Iru/Victoria Local Government Secretariat, the venue of the event, were Prince Murphy Adetoro, one-time Finance Commissioner Olawale Edun, former Whip of House of Representatives Olawale Oshun, former Secretary to Government Omotilewa Aro_Lambo, former Commissioner Oyinlomo Danmole, Senator Muniru Muse, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, Lagos APC Women Leader Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, former House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Toun Adediran, Tayo Oyemade, Hon. Musa, Mrs. Vaughan, Gbolahan Yishawu, Bola Lawal-Olumegbon, Segun Dawodu, Raheem Alli, Rilwan Alesinloye, Fuad Lawal, Wale Adelana, Abiodun Mafe, Yemisi Coker, Mrs. Lola Essien, Yahaya Dosunmu, Teju Philips, Olasunmbo Ajose, A.G. A. Sodiq, Princess Onu, Lateef Apatira and Alawiye King, who was master of ceremony.

    Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by his campaign manager, Tayo Ayinde, former Works Commissioner Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Abdullahi Enilolobo, Bayo Ajisebutu, and Gboyega Akosile.

    At the request of Olusi, a party elder, Jawando Ope, prayed for the flag bearer on behalf of the people of the district.

    Sanwo-Olu thanked God for his success at the direct primary and the people of the district for voting for him. He asked for forgiveness from the party members for his inability to contact all of them, ahead of the shadow poll, noting that they still endorsed him, despite the omission.

    Thanking Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his support, Sanwo-Olu said:  “God has hand in my plan  to be governor. God used Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for me and I want you our leaders to thank him. I thank the GAC leaders and the senatorial leaders of the central senatorial district, where I have lived for 50 years.

    “The victory is for all of us. As imprutu as the journey may have appeared to be, you accepted me and my aspiration. It is a lot marathon and all of us will benefit from it. The campaign will be unique. The campaign will reflect inclusiveness.

    “We have our campaign office for the Central District at 50, Awolowo Road, Victoria Island. Our main office is at 50/60 Oduduwa cresent. Ewe will have another office at Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja GRA for the West District. We will also have an office for the Lagos East.”

    Urging party members to adopt door-to door campaigns, Sanwo-Olu added: “Let us touch every household. If we touch one million households, we would have touched between four and six million people between now and December.”

    The flag bearer promised to fulfil his promises to Lagosians. He said: “Nigeria is poor. There is a disparity between the rich and the poor. The gap must be bridged. I saw women carrying my banners. How can we reach them? We must mobilise the private sector to assist us. The next government will not forget the people. The benefit of welfare must spread to the wards and zones.

    “Our government will be a listening government. Our government will work with the party and party manifestos. We will not condone wastages. We will work for the greater good of the greatest number.”

    Olusi prayed that the candidate will be the next governor of Lagos. But, he urged the party faithful to renew themselves to the cause of the party, adding that a profound reflection was required on the recent developments in the political family.

    The party leader said: “General election is a battle and we must be battle ready. We must go into it loyally and conscientiously. If we do that, we will win.”

    Olusi said party members should learn lessons from the inability of the governor to achieve his second term ambition.

    He said: “We have a governor a governor who wanted to have a second term. That ambition did not come to be. As a Muslim, that is the will of Allah. My teacher used to talk about Kadara. I asked for the meaning. My teacher told me that, after all efforts, the end result is the will of God. God teaches human beings lessons.

    “Why was the governor denied a second chance? All of us as politicians should inquire. We should find out. All of those who know should learn lesson from it. I tried all I could to ameliorate the event. We have discharged our duties as elders and members of the GAC. I was the leder of the delegation pleading with our national leader. I was also the spokesman of the GAC that confirmed the nomination of Sanwo-Olu.

    “When Sanwo-Olu visited me, I told him certain things. I repeated it in the GAC. I recalled the story of my father. Oba Esugbayi Eleko was removed by colonial masters. They made my father king and later shoved him aside. Ibikunle was king; an educated oba, a product of CMS, who studied Wood technology in U.K. he was prominent and qualified. My father succeeded him for three years. I am called a prince. It was because my father was king that made Oba Adele not to be thrown out of the palace.”

    Waxing philosophical, Olusi said he who slips into the pit will be an example to others. (eni to jin si koto, o ko ara yo ku logbon).

    The party elder enjoined Odunmbaku, Ayinde and other associates of Sanwo-Olu to always give him the right advice.

    He said: “When someone wants to go into a pit, those eating from him will urge him on. If Sanwo-Olun is making mistake and those of you around him refuse to tell him, God will punish you. Be honest with him.”

    Olusi said the campaign organisation should defer to the party during the campaigns, stressing that thjt was the tradition.

    He added: “Forget about Mandate Group. I am not a member of mandate. If you do something and we don’t know, you create division. We have cancelled groupings. That decision came at my instance. Camping is not good for the party. We signed document that we will not promote groupings. If you promote groupings, people will be forming groups. My days are numbered. But, I have responsibilities to call your attention to these issues.”

    Olusi also denied allegations that he collected bribe from Ambode. He said: “I did not collect money. They said I collected N400 million. They said Adetoro collected N450 million, and Pedro N550 million. I had land. The state government collected my land when my son was in power. I have not been given a replacement.

    “After the primary, concentrate on the candidate. There is no division again. A pro-Ambode group was formed. I said you don’t need it. Where is the group today? If you are forming a group for Sanwo-Olu, it is for eight years. After that, what happens? You should build love and unity.

    “If dividends of democracy get to the people, they will not leave our party. It is only through the machinery of government that this can happen.”

    Olusi appealed to aspirants who fail at the primary to accept the decision of the party in good faith and in the interest of the party. He specifically thanked Ambode for accepting the decision of the party.

    He urged them to support the party loyally during the election, assuring that their loyalty will not be in vain.

    Adetoro, former Chairman of Eti-Osa Council, urged sanwo-Olu to fulfil his promises to the people, if elected.

    He advised him to set up a “government of inclusiveness”, stressing that members needed a sense of belonging.

    Aro-Lambo called for unity, advising the party members to work for the victory of the party as one united family.

    Muse said: “I sent I sent a text to Sanwo-Olu and he replied me immediately. We should campaign unanimously. Those who are in mandate cannot leave. But, after the campaign, you can return to mandate.”

    Oshun said: “God who enabled Sanwo-Olu to be the candidate will make him governor. There are lessons for human beings to learn. Nobody is ever wise. The party should go into the election in unity.”

    Hamzat said that the challenge of voter apathy is real, advising party members to mobilise for victory.

    Ayinde unfolded the campaign slogan: “Igbega Ipinle Eko, ajumose ni.” He thanked Lagos Central leaders and members for voting for Sanwo-Olu at the primary.

    He said: “ Despite the fact that there was no time to meet APC leaders across the 57 councils, you mobillised members to vote for him.”

    Ayinde said plans are underway to synegise all the structures that will work for the victory of the candidate victory at the poll.

    He added: “I have 30 directors working at the campaign organisation BOSCO is not to jeopardise the party leadership. We have requested party leaders to send the names of their nominees to the campaign organisation. We don’t want the outcome of the primaries to have negative impact on his chance at the poll. We are targeting 2.5 million votes.

    “All those who did not make it at the primaries will be incprporated into the campaign organisation. Having survived the first hurdle, the second is the general election. With yiur support, we will get the projected 2.5 million votes.”

     

     

  • Let’s work together for victory, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate has unfolded his programmes for Lagosians in his acceptance speech, following his victory at the open and direct primary held in 245 wards across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    From the depth of my heart I express my profound gratitude to our teeming party members who gave me a resounding victory in the recently concluded governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

    I am overjoyed yet humbled at the confidence reposed in me by the majority of our members to fly the flag of our party in next year’s governorship election. My joy stems not just from my victory, but also from the fact that our party has demonstrated in Lagos State that intra-party democracy can indeed be deepened through successful direct primaries. The party belongs to every card carrying member and they have made their choice.

    I most humbly thank the national leader of our party, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), our indefatigable stalwart and pillar of all seasons, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our national chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), our national and state legislators, members of the Governors Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, our local government chairmen and councillors, the state, local government and ward executives of our party, our market men and women and indeed every card carrying member of the APC in Lagos State.

    I have emerged as nothing but the symbol and the servant of our collective struggle for the continued progressive transformation and radical modernisation of every facet of Lagos State.

    The position of Governor of Lagos State is not one of pleasure or one that affords the opportunity for limitless glamour. It is one that demands the highest degree of discipline, dedication, industry, commitment and sense of purpose.

    I do not take lightly the fact that you have entrusted me with the responsibility of flying the party’s flag for this esteemed office at the next election. For me, the mandate you have placed on my shoulder is a sacred trust, which I will respect and value every minute, every hour and every day.

    I am aware that in a democracy, a government exists only on the platform of a party. “Something”, as the lawyers say, cannot stand on “nothing”.

    A government has the most basic task of implementing as faithfully as possible the policy platform of the party. You have definitely not elected me as your candidate to become the master of the party. This is why I have said before and reiterate now that if by the grace of God, I am elected governor of Lagos State, I will run an administration that listens and responds to the yearnings of the people. A government that is open and inclusive is my promise to Lagosians.

    There is no doubt that I stand, today, on the shoulders of giants who have been in this position before in this dispensation. There is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the pathfinder and chief architect of the new Lagos that is unfolding before our eyes and to the admiration of all. There is Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the actualizer, who built on the foundations laid by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu with passion and competence. There is the incumbent, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who has done his bit. I am proud to have played key roles in all three administrations. I thank Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the good fight he fought in the true spirit of democracy and even more importantly, for his grace and generosity of spirit with which he has accepted the outcome of the primaries and congratulated me. He remains my friend, brother and compatriot. I promise to devote all the spiritual, mental and physical energies God has endowed me with to contribute my quota towards ensuring that Lagos takes a quantum leap forward under my tenure.

    In a democracy, it is not possible that everybody would vote for me in the primary. I respect the opinion of those who were not persuaded about my candidacy. Now that the primaries are over, I enjoin every member of the party to come together as one and work hard for victory at the general election. On the path of progress, peace and prosperity, Lagos shall neither fail nor falter under the banner of our great party and so help us God.

  • I won’t take mandate for granted, says Sanwo-Olu

    Ambode concedes defeat as panel announces result

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised not to take the mandate given to him for granted.

    Sanwo-Olu won the primary on Tuesday with 970,851 votes. His opponent, incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode  scored 72,901 votes.

    Ambode accepted defeat and promised to cooperate with the candidate through the transition period.

    Sanwo-Olu, whose victory in the direct primary shadow poll was validated yesterday by the Electoral panel led by former Cross River State Governor Clement Ebri, said: “Lagosians, I think with what you have done for me, I cannot take you for granted, I cannot take this mandate and this confidence for granted, I’ll cherish it for the rest of my life but more importantly, like I’ve always said, I’ll remain committed, I’ll keep an inclusive government, I’ll be responsible, integrity will not run far from me and I will not do things that in any form would make you to begin to doubt my capacity or capability.”

    The political tension that gripped state in the last one week subsided yesterday, with Ambode’s conceding defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held on Tuesday.

    The Clement Ebri-led panel assigned to supervise the shadow poll failed initially to acknowledge the result.

    But yesterday’s ratification of the result and the acceptance of defeat by the governor dissipated the cloudy atmosphere.

    The APC candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, pleaded for support and congratulated party members for the successful election.

    In a broadcast, Ambode said: “The last few days have witnessed intense political activities that have gripped the attention of the nation and created palpable tension in the polity. I strongly believe that the time has now come for the state to move forward in order that the gains of the last three and half years are not lost.

    ”APC is a great party and the interests of our beloved state must always supercede that of any person or group. It is in this regard that I wholeheartedly congratulate the winner of the Lagos State APC primaries, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”

    ”As Governor, I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition in the remaining period of this administration and ultimately to the new Governor, come May 2019.

    ”I therefore appeal to all our party members that we remain one family and unite behind the candidate of the party, so that we can continue to move this state forward.

    ”The progress of Lagos State is non-negotiable. It is a project that I have passionately worked for in the last three and half years as your Governor and one to which I will forever be devoted.”

    The governor thanked APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the party’s leadership at state and national levels as well as all party faithful and all Lagosians.

    There was jubilation yesterday in Lagos State APC, following the declaration of former Commissioner Babajide Sanwo-Olu as winner of Tuesday’s direct primary.

    Thanking party members for trooping out to participate in the exercise, the chairman of the party, Tunde Balogun, maintained that the conduct of the primary followed laid down regulations and due process.

    The supervisors of the primary, former Cross River State Governor Clement Ebri, and other committee members, retraced their steps yesterday, after initially dismissing the primary as a ruse.

    Around noon, Ebri announced the result and affirmed Sanwo-Olu as the governorship candidate for next year’s election after resolving what he described as the “hiccups”.

    Announcing the results, Ebri said: “The Lagos State All Progressives (APC) Governorship Primary was contested by two aspirants, namely: Governor Akinwunmi Ambiode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “After resolving some of the hiccups, the Lagos APC Governorship Primary Committee collated the results from the 245 wards in the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) from collating officers.

    “At the end of the exercise, these are the votes scored by the aspirants: Governor Akinwunmi Ambode 72,901 and Babajide Sanwo-Olu 970,851.

    “Following these results, I, Clement Ebri, the Chairman of the Lagos State APC Governorship Primary Committee, hereby declare Bbajide Sanwo-Olu as the winner.”

    Balogun told reporters at the APC secretariat that “the poll was conducted and concluded with the signing of the results by His Excellency, Clement Ebri. The poll took place across the 345 wards in 20 councils. I thank Lagosians and APC members for voting for the two aspirants. The election was free and fair.

    “I thank the members of our party for their peaceful conduct. There was no single case of violence. APC continues to be the leading party in Nigeria and it is a model.

    “The results were declared by the committee, led by Clement Ebri, duly signed by Clement Ebri. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is now the candidate of the APC in Lagos. “

    Balogun attributed the earlier stand of the committee to what he called communication problem, adding that the challenge was mutually resolved.

    He stressed: “There was communicatiob break up. The election was peaceful. It was conducted according to guidelines. The results were not initially honoured for no reason. Many of our party leaders viewed the exercise on television. They saw the crowd and discovered that it was a free and fair election. “

    The Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO) yesterday thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, party faithful and others who contributed to the victory of the APC candidate.

    A statement by Olusesan Daini, Director Media and Publicity, BOSCO, said “BOSCO wishes to expresses our gratitude to all our faithful members for the loyalty, commitments and determination to our great party by participating in the direct gubernatorial primary election in Lagos State on the 2nd of October 2018. In the same vein, we also like to appreciate the overwhelming moral support received from non members of our great party during the exercise.”

    He also acknowledged the gallantry displayed by the security agencies, the cooperation of the press and exhibition of close observation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the just concluded direct primary of the party.

    “Most importantly, we are grateful to members of the Lagos state chapter of our great party who voted for Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu en-masse during the gubernatorial primary election  making him emerge as the  flag-bearer of our great party for the general election in 2019.We urge our entire members to remain focused and work assiduously towards the general election in 2019,” he said.

    The APC is one untied family and we must keep the spirit in Lagos.

     

  • Ambode congatulates Sanwo-Olu

    ***concedes defeat
    ***urges Lagosians to join hand and move state forward

    Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has congratulated the winner of the Lagos State governorship primaries held across the State on Tuesday, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Ambode in a televised broadcast on Lagos Television, LTV, on Wednesday said the interests of Lagos State must always supersede that of any person or group.

    He urged all Lagosians to immediately support the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 elections and work for the success of party.

    He said, “Fellow Lagosians, the last few days have witnessed intense political activities that have gripped the attention of the nation and created palpable tension in the polity.

    “I strongly believe that the time has now come for the State to move forward in order that the gains of the last three and half years are not lost.

    “APC is a great party and the interests of our beloved State must always supersede that of any person or group. It is in this regard that I wholeheartedly congratulate the winner of the Lagos State APC Primaries, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu”

    “As Governor, I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition in the remaining period of this administration and ultimately to the new Governor, come May 2019.

    “I therefore appeal to all our party members that we remain one family and unite behind the candidate of the party, so that we can continue to move this state forward.

    “The progress of Lagos state is non-negotiable. It is a project that I have passionately worked for in the last three and half years as your Governor and one to which I will forever be devoted.”

    The governor thanked APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and leadership of the party at state and national levels as well as all party faithfuls and all Lagosians.

    “I thank all Lagosians for their faith and trust in me. I urge you not to relent in your support for our party as we prepare for the General Elections.

    It would be recalled that the APC governorship primaries held across the state on Tuesday and Ambode’s fellow contestants was declared as winner of the primaries at the end of the exercise.

  • Sanwo-Olu declared winner

    Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Babatunde Balogun has declared Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu winner of the governorship primary election held yesterday.

    Balogun said Sanwo-Olu polled 970,851 votes to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who scored 72,901 votes.

    Declaring the election as free, fair and transparent,  Balogun said the voters were counted in the presence of observers.

    He praised party members who turned up in the 245 wards to participate in the shadow poll, saying they demonstrated their commitment to the party.

    ”The people have now rendered their decision and there is no reason to cast aside the sovereign will of the people. For me, as party chairman, to see vast number of people to come out to vote and then say no primary took place would cast stain on the party and its leadership. This I shall not do.

    ”Those persons who now claim this election did not take place stand in direct opposition to the spirit of democracy and the expressed will of APC members in Lagos. The party faithful have spoken and it is their voice that is paramount.

    “The Lagos chapter of the APC is committed to honouring their choice. Their decision must stand as the true expression of the APC in Lagos.

    ”To embark upon any other course will be to betray our members, our state and the core principle of progress and democracy upon which the APC is founded. Such a move is also at variance with the President’s strict adherence to the principle of transparency, openness and participatory democracy.”

    The chairman added: “I congratulate and thank all members of the APC in Lagos State for coming out to participate in the governorship primaries in our state.

    “The people assembled in 245 wards throughout the state to peacefully select our standard bearer for the 2019 gubernatorial election in Lagos.

    “Demonstrating their commitment to democracy and to the party, they voted in large numbers and did so with enthusiasm and great purpose.

    ”To be clear, an APC primary election was held in Lagos State today, 2 October 2018 in accordance with the party’s constitution.

    ”Pursuant to that constitution, it was decided that this primary would be conducted by a direct open system where each voter queues behind his or her preferred candidate.

    “Not only is this option approved by our party rules, it is the option that is most favoured by the people and by those who favour transparency and openness. Indeed, this method was used for the just concluded presidential primary, for our primary election in Osun State and for all subsequent primaries conducted by our party.

    “It would seem a most questionable practice for us in Lagos to switch to a different method at the last moment for this one governorship primary. Such a move would be tantamount to electoral malpractice.

    ”The election was held in every ward in the state. It was conducted peacefully and without incident. More importantly, this exercise was clearly free, fair, honest and just.

    “Unprecedented numbers of APC members have now exercised their democratic right and expressed their democratic will. There have been no significant or material complaints of intimidation or irregularity in the conduct of the election. By all accounts, the exercise was credible, open and honest.

    ”The people have now rendered their decision and there is no reason to cast aside the sovereign will of the people. For me, as party Chairman, to see vast numbers of people come out to vote and then say that no primary took place would be to cast shame on the party and its leadership. This I shall not do. ”

  • Video: Sanwo-Olu declared winner

    Lagos State chairman All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Babatunde Balogun has declared Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu winner of the governorship primaries election held on Tuessday.

    According to Balogun, Sanwo-Olu polled 970,851 votes while Governor Akinwunmi Ambode scored 72,901 votes.

    Balogun said the election was free, fair and transparent. He said human beings were counted in the presence of observers.

    He commended party members that turned in the 245 wards to participate in exercise.

    He said it was a demonstration of their commitment to the party.

    “The people have now rendered their decision and there is no reason to cast aside the sovereign will of the people. For me, as party chairman, to see vast number of people to come out to vote and then say there is no primary took place would to cast stain on the party and its leadership. This I shall not do.

    ” Those persons who now claim this election did not take place stand in direct opposition to the spirit of Democracy and the expressed will of APC members in Lagos. The party faithfuls have spoken and it is voice that is paramount.

    “The Lagos chapter of the APC is committed to honouring their choice. Their decision must stand as the true expression of the APC in Lagos.

    ” To embark upon any other course will be to betray our members, our state and the core principle of progress and democracy upon which the APC is founded. Such a move is also at variance with the President’s strict adherence to the principle of transparency, openness and participatory democracy.”

  • Mushin APC endorses Sanwo-Olu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Mushin Local Government thronged its Palm Avenue secretariat last Saturday to endorse its Lagos governorship aspirant, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for governor.

    Amidst songs, dance and chanting of the party’s slogans, the APC faithful affirmed former National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire, as the party leader in Mushin. APC chieftain Aremo Michael Ikufisile, who addressed the crowd, said Sanwo-Olu has what it takes to lead Lagos.

    His words: “We have gathered here today to endorse Babajide Sanwo-Olu as APC candidate for the upcoming governorship election. We have followed his involvement and antecedents, not only politically but also prior to being made commissioner, and we find him credible. He is a man that is accessible, a good listener, somebody that is calm and cool-headed; somebody that will balance views and listens to people before making a decision.

    “This is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of feeling the pulse of people to actually deliver a good service; not putting people in boxes or having a blanket approach to issues. More so, our leaders have spoken our minds and that is why you are seeing all of us here today to endorse Sanwo-Olu, because that is what is in our minds.”

    Ikufisile said Banire was never suspended, adding “he (Banire) remains the APC leader in Mushin and there is no controversy about it”.

    APC chieftain, Dr Ade Omosule said: “We, the people of Mushin, want him (Sanwo-Olu) to be the next governor of Lagos State. That is why we are gathered here today to tell everybody in Mushin that Sanwo-Olu is our man.

    “Ambode has not satisfied Lagos. Lagosians are all against him and since they are all against him, we can’t continue to say Ambode should continue.

  • APC Vice-Chair to Ambode: Sanwo-Olu is credible

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Vice Chairman (Lagos Central) Hakeem Bamgbola has backed the aspiration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to pick the party’s ticket.
    Bamgbola said Sanwo-Olu, if elected, is capable of taking Lagos to a greater height.
    The House of Representatives aspirant urged APC members in Coker-Aguda and Itire-Ikate to  vote for Sanwo-Olu in Monday’s primary election.
    He hailed Dr Obafemi Hamzat for stepping down from the race for Sanwo-Olu and dismissed the insinuation that Sanwo-Olu is not credible for the job.
    “For those who have related with him, his competence to deliver as the Lagos number citizen is not in doubt. He has performed creditably well in all ministries handled so far. Having served three different Lagos State governors, I believe he is more than capable and credible to govern Lagos,” he said.
    Bamgbola assured Lagosians that more dividends of democracy are on the way, saying “Lagosians deserve better than what they are getting from the present government and Sanwo-Olu is in a better position to deliver. I trust our party members to choose a more credible person who can perform better and that is why we are endorsing this man (Sanwo-Olu) now. We are sure he will perform well.”
    The former Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman applauded the Gubernatorial Advisory Council (GAC) for endorsing Sanwo-Olu.
    The GAC’s endorsement, Bamgbola said, is in order because any group within the party just like members has the right to pitch their tent with aspirant of their choice.
    “If after a long time of deliberation they found Sanwo-Olu credible and fit to surpass the achievements of the present governor, they should be commended and supported by voting for the person the group endorsed,” he said.

  • Lagos APC endorses Sanwo-Olu

    The prime movers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State yesterday endorsed Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu for the party’s governorship primary which has now been rescheduled for tomorrow across the state.

    They also resolved to mobilise party members to vote for him during the direct primary across 377 wards in the 20 local government areas in the state.

    The endorsement by the Gubernatorial Advisory Council (GAC) came on the heels of the withdrawal of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat from the primary for Sanwo-Olu and a similar expression of support for the leading aspirant by 36 members of the State House of Assembly.

    The battle  for the party ticket will now be a straight  fight between Sanwo-Olu and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who vowed to press ahead with his aspiration for a second term, yesterday.

    The Ambode Mandate Support Group (AMSG) said the governor is capable of winning the primary on his merit.

    The Gubernatorial Advisory Council (GAC) which is the highest decision making organ in Lagos APC  took the decision to endorse Sanwo-Olu at the party secretariat on  Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, yesterday.

    Tension rose as Ambode’s supporters stormed the venue of the meeting, chanting anti-party slogans, to the consternation of party elders and leaders, including Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule, the party chairman, Tunde Balogun, the secretary, Dr. Wale Ahmed, the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Abiodun Salami, Senator Tony Adefuye, Prof. Tunde Samuel, Chief Alabi Macfoy, Prince Murphy Adetoro, Prince Sunny Ajose, Dr. Abayomi Finnih, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, Chief Raheem Daramola, and Cardinal James Odunmbaku.

    Although party members had waited anxiously for Asiwaju Tinubu, who was expected to address the crowd on the preparations for the shadow election, they later dispersed after Senator Adefuye spoke on the collective resolutions of the stakeholders on the primary.

    The announcement sparked wild jubilation by Sanwo-Olu’s supporters who gathered at the venue of the meeting.

    Neither Sanwo-olu nor Ambode was present at the meeting.

    But before the arrival of the GAC members, supporters of  both aspirants  had engaged in a show of strength, singing, dancing and praising  of their men.

    The Assistant Publicity Secretary, Abiodun Salami had to appeal severally to them to desist from abusive songs as all of them are members of the same family.

    Hamzat steps down, adopts Sanwo-Olu

    One of the three contestants for the APC governorship ticket in Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat yesterday withdrew from the race for Sanwo-Olu.

    Hamzat who drove to Sanwo-Olu’s Ikoyi residence to personally break the news, described him as a man of integrity, great humility and extraordinary intelligence.

    He recalled how both of them worked closely with Tinubu during his tenure as governor, his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Vice President Osinbajo.

    Hamzat said: “After due consultations with my numerous supporters and in deference to the wise counsel of those I consider my political mentors, I have resolved to step down from the governorship race in Lagos on the platform of our party and, instead, poll resources together with my brother and friend, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “So, my supporters are hereby directed to vote for Sanwo-Olu to emerge the candidate of the APC in the primary scheduled for tomorrow across the state.”

    He added: “In seeking APC’s ticket then, we were acutely aware of the enormous historic burden power imposes in a unique environment like Lagos. We were conscious of the fact that real progress is defined only by balancing growth and development. While we must innovate, we do not have to discard systems or processes that are working.

    “To keep team spirit alive, we are aware that we must always seek to mobilise the generality of our party members behind a common purpose, to deliver the APC manifesto.”

    Hamzat said the greatest asset of the APC  is not only the legitimate power given to the political family by Lagosians since 1999, but the  close-knit brotherhood, toughened by past adversity of weathering the storm of opposition, the collective endurance of federal persecution and the passion and dedication of members to always ensure victory on election day.

    The former aspirant, who lost the ticket to Ambode in 2015, emphasised that “the loyalty of our party members should never ever be taken for granted.”

    Reflecting on the direct primary, which has heralded the inevitability of a clash of interests and perspectives, Hamzat said the way forward was for like-minds to close ranks and pool resources together, forge a formidable front and advance the ideas that can serve the larger interest of party members.

    “If great milestones were recorded under the Fashola administration, I believe it was because there was a fidelity to the path already charted by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. It consists of a clear roadmap that ensured that from the sorry status of almost a failed state in 1999, the Lagos Asiwaju Tinubu bequeathed in 2007 was a very healthy state with vastly improved social infrastructure. It was a worthy legacy Fashola defended and took to great height for eight years he was governor of Lagos,” he said.

    Thanking Hamzat for endorsing him, Sanwo-Olu with whom were his wife, Ibijoke reflected on their involvement in Lagos governance over the years and said he was indeed a good friend, compatriot and comrade in progress.

    The Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO) also lauded Hamzat for his “show of sportsmanship to our common cause.”

    36 Lagos lawmakers adopt Sanwo-Olu

    As Hamzat was announcing his withdrawal from the race, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly gathered inside the Lateef Jakande auditorium of the assembly to also adopt Sanwo-Olu as their candidate in the primary.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Princess Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, said 36 of the 40 members of the assembly who attended the meeting took the decision to support Sanwo-Olu.

    Among them were the two lawmakers from Epe – Segun Olulade and Abiodun Tobun.

    There was no dissension, she said.

    The lawmakers stated that they were in agreement with the leadership of the party and the GAC on Sanwo-Olu’s adoption.

    Ambode group says it’s undemocratic to ask him to step down

    The Ambode Mandate Support Group (AMSG) yesterday faulted media reports purportedly quoting GAC asking the governor to withdraw his second term bid.

    The group said such a directive was inimical to the democracy which the party preaches.

    Reacting to the endorsement of Mr. Sanwo-Olu by the GAC and shift of the primary from today to tomorrow, the Director General of AMSG, Mr. Hakeem Sulaimon said the sudden turn of events does not augur well for democracy and unity of the party.

    His words:”I don’t think the GAC would have done such a thing as represented by Senator Anthony Adefuye, because a few days ago, the GAC came out to say that they have resolved that the Governor will not be granted the same privilege granted fellow governors in other States and that every aspirant should go for the primaries.

    “They (GAC members) were the ones who equally said before now that why was the Governor afraid of the primary; and if they said why was the Governor afraid of the primary and the Governor has now told them that okay, I am ready for the primary, the next question we should ask is why are they afraid of going for the primary?

    “The party said we are in a democracy and all the three aspirants should run, now they have shifted ground and they are asking the Governor to step down for another aspirant, why are they saying so if they are preaching about democracy?

    “Giving this development, we are alerting Lagosians that having seen the turnout of party faithful in the meeting that the party called today and the supporters of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode who had about 87 per cent of the crowd that was there, they have now all of a sudden postponed the primary that we are prepared for. We hope they are not trying to do anything that would create problem in this peace-loving State.”

    Sulaimon also said the governor’s campaign is on course as he continues to receive “overwhelming support from several quarters.”

    He said: “what truly constitutes the structure of the party is the ward and of course the LGA. Beyond the ward and the LGA, we also have the Councillors because we have 377 of the creation of Lagos State Councillors; we have 377 of the creation of Lagos State ward chairmen and so on.

    “But again, just this morning, we had an assembly of over 237 Councillors here and at the end of the day, in giving the vote of thanks, one of them stood up to say they were now convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that the only person that would work for their interest and that they have realized that the most endangered political class are the councillors and that they would ensure that they work for the Governor in their respective wards and they have assured us that we would get victory.”

    Lagos, Imo primaries now for tomorrow

    National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday announced that the governorship primaries of the party in Lagos and Imo will now take place tomorrow and not today again as formerly scheduled.

    Oshiomhole who spoke while inaugurating the committees for the various states governorship primaries challenged members of the various committees conducting the governorship primaries not to yield to pressure from any quarter, but to do their best to help the party improve internal democracy in the country.

    He said: “We have decided to postpone the election in Lagos to Monday. Even though it is a public holiday, there is nothing in the law that says we cannot conduct our party affairs during public holidays.

    “So, Lagos and Imo States, for now, the exercise will take place on Monday.

    “We are sure that we will be able to rectify logistic challenges between now and end of tomorrow. For those going to those States, please take note.

    “The secretariat will get to the committees through the chairmen, the documents and all the materials you need – be it ballot papers, result sheets that you will use for the election.

    “You are likely to come under pressure because we are in an environment in which nobody concedes defeat and sometimes, those who win are not gracious enough to recognize that it does not have to be winner takes all.

    “In genuine democracy, everybody is a winner because if you govern well, you govern for the good of the people; everybody will be better off.

    “The primary purpose of power is to use it to deliver on public welfare and public good. So, I plead with you to do your very best to try to strike a balance because we have all promised to do justice to all members of the party. So, do your very best so that at the end of the day, you will help us to deepen internal democracy.

    “So, stepping out tomorrow to conduct elections, you have a duty to sustain the core values of the APC which is to ensure that we conduct transparent primaries. Our constitution which is the basis of the contract between members of the APC to vie for couple of offices and our National Executive Committee is adhered to.

    “We have decided to activate two of the options in our constitutions (direct and indirect). We have worked hard to provide some of the preconditions without which we can’t service internal democracy. As we speak, we have our membership register which has been distributed to the 36 states.

    “I believe that we have compelling reasons to conduct credible primaries across the country. The guidelines have been well articulated and we expect the Chairmen to provide leadership in all states where they have been deployed to.”

    Oshiomhole also announced that 177 aspirants bought nomination forms to contest the 29 vacancies available on the platform, saying “We have only 29 vacancies for governors and to fill these 29 vacancies, we have distinguished Nigerians, men and women, about 177 that applied.

    “This does not suggest any unusual level of political or executive unemployment. It just points to the level of interest, commitment, passion and above all the confidence that people have in the APC.

    Speaking on behalf of the convention committee, Senator Ajimobi pledged that the party will lay a solid foundation for the party’s victory in 2019.

    The  committee chairmen are: Prof Osahremen Osunbor  (Kebbi ), Mr. Clement Ebri (Lagos), Demola Seriki (Oyo), David Iyoha (Abia), Senator Domingo Obande (Ebonyi), Prof Moses Momoh ( Enugu), Alhaji Ahmed Gulak (Imo) , Chief Mutiu Are (Benue), Matthew Iduyekheu (Kaduna), Yamah Momoh (Akwa Ibom), Gen. Lawrence Onoja (Delta), Senator Ahmed Yerima (Cross River), Col. Lawal Jafaru Isa (Rivers).

    Others are Ismail Ahmed (Nasarawa), Lucky Imasuen (Niger), Senator Obadara (Plateau), Yerima Giade (Adamawa), Prof Ahmed Bakassi (Bauchi), Abu Bawaro (Gombe), Senator Emmanuel Ochaja (Taraba), Umar  Lawal Kareto (Yobe) Ahmed El-Marzuq (Borno), Pius Odubu (Kano), Isa Adamu (Katsina), Suleiman Abubakar (Sokoto), Aminu  Asinachi (Zamfara), Senator Abubakar Sadiq (Jigawa), and Mohammed Idabawa (Ogun).