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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Lagos governorship race: APC advisory council endorses Sanwo-Olu

    The Governor’s Advisory Council(GAC) of the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to pick the party’s governorship ticket for the 2019 election in the state.

    Sen. Anthony Adefuye, a member the council, announced the endorsement to party members on Saturday, at a stakeholders’ meeting at the ACME Road state party secretariat.

    He said the GAC, the highest decision-making body of the chapter, arrived at the endorsement after a meeting which lasted for several hours.

    Adefuye said the meeting was chaired by national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and was attended by other prominent members of the party.

    Adefuye listed Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa as some of those also at the meeting.

    He said that the decision to back Sanwo-Olu, a former Commissioner for Training and Establishment, against the incumbent, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, was in the interest of the state and the party.

    Adefuye also announced that the governorship primary had been postponed from Sunday to Monday but gave no reason for the shift.

    He told the crowd that another aspirant, a former Commissioner for Works, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, had withdrawn from the race and had endorsed Sanwo-Olu.

    “There was a GAC meeting held this morning which was attended by the Vice President, YemiOsinbajo, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and others.

    “This meeting was chaired by our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. This is a meeting that we started at 10am. and we couldn’t finish early.

    “After the meeting, I have been mandated by the GAC to announce this to you.

    “The gubernatorial primary earlier scheduled for tomorrow, September 30th, has been shifted to Monday, October 1.

    “Also, the GAC was informed by Dr Obafemi Hamzat of his decision to graciously step down and endorse Jide Sanwoolu.

    “GAC has endorsed Babajide Sanwoolu as its preferred candidate ahead of the primary,” he added.

    The announcement threw the crowd of Sanwo-Olu supporters at the meeting into wild jubilation.

    Chants of Sanwo-Olu! Sanwo-Olu ! took over the atmosphere as supporters of Ambode exited the party secretariat in disappointment.(NAN)

  • Lagos APC ticket: Hamzat steps down for Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Dr. Obafemi Hamzat on Saturday stepped down from the race, urging his supporters to vote for a contender, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in Monday’s direct primary.

    He described Sanwo-Olu, a former Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, as a man of integrity, great humility and extraordinary intelligence, recalling that both of them had worked closely with former Governor Bola Tinubu, his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).

    Hamzat visited Sanwo-Olu at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence where he endorsed him by raising up his hand, saying that he will be a credible and worthy successor to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. He was received by Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, his campaign manager, Mr. Tayo Ayinde and Otunba Lekan Osifeso.

    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 (today) across the state.”

    Thanking Hamzat for endorsing him, Sanwo-Olu reflected on their involvement in Lagos governance under Tinubu and Fashola, saying that he is a good friend, compatriot and comrade in progress.

    Following Hamzat’s withdrawal, the battle for the ticket may be between Sanwo-Olu and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at Sunday’s direct primary.

    Hamzat, who recalled that he had obtained the party’s nomination form, said he was happy to be part of the historic direct primary, which had given party members the opportunity of choosing the flag bearer.

    Hailing the democratic shadow poll, he said the process has truly restored the ownership of the party to its members, irrespective of class, creed and gender.

    Hamzat justified his earlier intention to run for governor, stressing that he intended to reawaken collective consciousness about the need to infuse fresh ideas to advance Lagos State and sustain its tradition of service, excellence and inclusiveness, which characterised Tinubu and Fashola administrations.

    He said: “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 PDP 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 poll resources together, forge a formidable front and advance the ideas that can serve the larger interest of party members.

    He added: “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 road-map 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 greater height for eight years he was governor of Lagos.

    “Having been part and parcel of the formulation and execution of various policies and programmes that transformed Lagos right from Asiwaju Tinubu and Fashola administrations, and having been a loyal party member all through thick and thin, I strongly believe Sanwo-Olu is equally rooted to fly our party’s flag in the 2019 election and I have no doubt that he is well placed and equipped to take Lagos to greater height. In view of this, I hereby step down for him.”

  • Lagos APC: 36 lawmakers adopt Sanwo-olu, Hamzat steps down

    Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have adopted Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the candidate they will support in the coming governorship primaries of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to a statement by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Honourable (Princess) Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, the decision was taken at a Parliamentary meeting of the lawmakers which took place at Lateef Jakande auditorium on Saturday, a day before the governorship primaries of the party.

    The meeting was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. 36 members were present out of the 40 members of the House and all of them endorsed the decision and duly signed the statement announcing the decision.

    Hons. Segun Olulade and Abiodun Tobun both from Epe constituencies 1&2, the same place as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode were absent including Hon. Sikiru Osinowo who is said to be outside the country.

    The lawmakers stated that they were in agreement with the leadership of the party and the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) which had earlier endorsed Sanwo-olu for the governorship ticket.

    “At the Parliamentary meeting held on 29th September, 2018 at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, members do hereby unanimously resolve to support the position of the Leadership of All Progressive Congress(APC) and the Governor’s Advisory Council(GAC) in Lagos State on the endorsement of Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu as the APC Gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 election.

    Read Also: Group drags Gov. Bindow to Court over alleged certificate forgery

    The meeting was attended by 36 out of the 40 Honourable members in the House of Assembly.”

    In a similar development on Saturday, at a meeting held at the Ikoyi residence of Sanwo-Olu, Obafemi Hamzat the third aspirant in the tripartite governorship race, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat stepped down for Sanwo-Olu calling on his supporters to vote massively for Sanwo-Olu at tomorrow’s direct primaries which will take place all over the state.

    Hamzat described Sanwo-Olu as a man of integrity who is competent to handle serious business of governance.

  • 2019: SDP will accommodate Ambode ,says Chieftain

    Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, Chairman, Strategy and Mobilization, Social Democratic Party (SDP), South-West Zone, on Friday said that the party would accommodate Governor  Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State in 2019 election.

    Pearse, a University teacher, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Ambode would be welcome to fly SDP’s ticket if his (Ambode) party, All Progressives Congress (APC) denied him second term ticket.

    Ambode’s second term ticket has been facing some opposition within his party following speculations that he has fallen out of favour with his political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Tinubu is said to be currently rooting for a former commissioner in the state, Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, who has already declared his intention to contest the governorship on the platform of the APC party, where Ambode also belongs.

    Analysts view the development as a trying political season for Ambode, who has since announced his readiness for the party’s direct primary on Sept. 30 to slug it out with his opponents.

    Sanwo-Olu, the Managing Director, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, and Femi Hamzat, a former Commissioner for Works, are in the race for the APC’s governorship ticket.

    Pearse said: “I have to tell you the truth that our national leaders have asked us in Lagos to reach out to Ambode and to let him know that we will be ready to accommodate him in our party if he so chooses.

    “The reason being that Ambode has not performed excellently but we think, he should have an opportunity for second term to complete some of the works he has started.

    “More importantly, we see Ambode as a man who seems to be standing up to greed. That’s the reason why we feel Ambode should be given an opportunity.

    Read Also: Why Sanwo-Olu should succeed Ambode, by campaign manage

    “They are fighting him because he has not agreed to sell Lagos totally. So, we will welcome him if he comes.”

    The SDP’s chieftain, however, said that whether Ambode came or not, the 2019 general elections were going to be the end of the ruling APC in Lagos.

    He said that the National Leader of APC and former governor of the state, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu had made a big mistake by allegedly bringing somebody that is totally unknown.

    “They can win the primary (against Ambode) but let it come to the general elections, people will show that this state does not belong to them”.

    On SDP’s alliance with some other opposition parties ahead of 2019 elections, Pearse said that the alliance at the national level still subsists and would be used to oust the APC in the state.

    He said: “We understand that it might be difficult to oust the incumbent that has been there for years. We need an alliance and that alliance by the grace of God will come into being.

    “With that alliance we are sure to win 2019 elections for the people and to retire APC in the state.”

    On the outcome of Osun poll, Pearse said that the alleged flaws that characterised the election and runoff had shown that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not prepared for 2019 elections.

    “INEC is not prepared for 2019 general elections with the conduct of Osun gubernatorial election. INEC is not independent at all and cannot conduct a fair, credible and acceptable elections.

    “The reason being that, once the President of the country is the person who appoints the Chairman of INEC, the INEC is already compromised.

    “Looking at the decision of INEC on Osun gubernatorial election, do you think if APC had been the party that won with 353 votes in Osun, they would not have declared the party’s candidate as that winner?

    “So, INEC must be trustworthy, incorruptible and fair. People must stand firm to ensure that INEC is uncompromising.”

  • Why Sanwo-Olu should succeed Ambode, by campaign manager

    The Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation yesterday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will preside over an-all inclusive administration and be accountable to the ruling party and Lagos State residents, if elected.

    The organisation said the aspirant will not conduct the affairs of the state with arrogance, pledging that he will foster a sense of belonging in the party by permitting members to contribute their quota to governance.

    Exuding confidence about tomorrow’s direct primary, its Director-General, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, said Sanwo-Olu will emerge victorious because he has the support of party members.

    He told reporters in Lagos that many party chieftains were anticipating the end of an era and the beginning of a new dispensation under Sanwo-Olu.

    Ayinde described the aspirant as a technocrat with a wealth of experience in the private and public sectors.

    The campaign chief said the aspirant had resigned as the Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC) to enable him concentrate on his ambition.

    He said: “Sanwo-Olu is a politician and not an ordinary civil servant without a political experience. He has served as political adviser, commissioner and managing director of LSPDC. We believe God has a hand in this project. He has been endorsed by ward and local government chairmen of the party, chairmen of 57 councils and 377 councillors. They are all behind us.

    “We have met with market women and their leaders, led by the Iyaloja. We have met with religious leaders. These are the structures. We have the support of the political structures in Lagos State.”

    Ayinde lauded the adoption of the direct primary, saying it would enable willing chieftains to throw their hats in the ring.

  • Lagos APC: 377 councillors endorse Sanwo-Olu

    NO fewer than 377 councillors under the aegis of Forum of Councillors from 20 local governments and 37 local council development authorities (LCDA) in Lagos State on Monday endorsed the governorship aspiration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The councillors pledged their total support for him ahead of Saturday’s primary election.

    The endorsement took place in Ikeja through voice vote after a three hours meeting between the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO), some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the aspirant.

    Director General of the aspirant’s campaign organisation Mr. Tayo Ayinde hailed the forum’s spirit of oneness, saying that unity among politicians was important for impactful growth.

    Ayinde stressed the need for internal democracy and urged every member of the forum to work hard for the Sanwo-Olu’s aspiration.

    The campaign DG described the event as a family meeting, where a decision that would affect family members would be made. He thereafter presented Sanwo-Olu to the crowd, who rose to welcome him.

    A former Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture Mr. Kaoli Olusanya advised the councillors to remain steadfast and not be deterred by antics of those afraid to face the people at the primaries. He said the council members were the closest to the people.

    “No politician knows the grassroots people better than you the councillors”, Olusanya stated. He also informed the gathering that he started his political journey as a councillor, noting that hardwork, dedication and loyalty to the party and the political family have taken him to a higher pedestal.

    According to Olusanya, nothing should be taken for granted in politics. “It is on that note that I’d want you to work for our brother, friend and colleague, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, so that he can clinch the party’s ticket on Saturday.”

    The governorship aspirant thanked the councillors for coming out in large numbers to receive him.

    He started by telling them of his antecedents in the party since leaving the corporate world to join the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu administration in 2002 as a Special Adviser and later as commissioner. He told the forum how close he has been to their colleagues in his constituency, noting that he was doing all he could for them at a time when he never thought of running for governorship position.

    Sanwo-Olu urged the councillors on the need to persevere and be loyal, saying those virtues usually pay off in the end.

    “Perseverance in politics is good. It usually pays off in the end. That virtue is what has brought me to this level,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

    He urged the councillors to get out the vote on Saturday, promising that better days are ahead for all party members.

    Vice Chairman of the Councillors Forum in Lagos State Mr. Remi Shittu, who presided over the endorsement of Sanwo-Olu, pledged the support of his members in the primaries.

    Other party leaders, who spoke at the meeting, include Cardinal James Odumaku (aka Baba Eto) and Mrs. Omolola Essien, who sought the support of the councillors ahead of the Saturday’s primary election.

  • I’m still in governorship race, says Sanwo-Olu

    ONE of the aspirants jostling for the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has not withdrawn from the race, it campaign organisation said yesterday.

    Spokesman of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO) Sesan Daini said there was no truth in the report that Sanwo-Olu, a former Lagos Commissioner for Establishment & Training has bowed out of the race.

    Describing the report as misleading, Daini said that Sanwo-Olu would participate in the APC primary.

    According to him, the report, which he blamed on jittery members of the opposition, never emanated from the aspirant.

    He said: “We hereby state unequivocally that the purported press statement did not emanate from our principal, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, rather it is the handwork of jittery members of opposition to malign our principal and mislead the public.

    “For the umpteenth time, Sanwo-Olu has not and will not withdraw from the race and he is ready for the party primary slated for the September 29.

    “BOSCO is not oblivious of the fact that these cheap attempts to mislead and hoodwink members of our party and the public will be made by these disgruntled elements, but we will continue to repeal their falsehood with facts.”

    Daini said that Sanwo-Olu remained committed to his campaign, adding that he would not be distracted from continuing the set goals to serve Lagos people.

    He said: “Our principal remains committed to his campaign while still consulting with party leaders and members and would not be distracted by cheap blackmail like this.

    “We want to use this opportunity to urge our teeming party faithful to troop out en masse on Saturday to cast their votes for Babajide Sanwo-Olu to be the flag bearer of the APC.”

  • APC ward chairmen endorse Sanwo-Olu

    No fewer than 377 ward chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have endorsed Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the governorship ticket.

    They announced their support for the former Establishment & Training Commissioner ahead of next Saturday’s primary election.

    Sanwo-Olu and another former Works & Infrastructure Commissioner Dr. Obafemi Hamzat are jostling for the party’s ticket with incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Also at the weekend, former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji urged Ambode’s kinsmen in Epe to pray for the governor to clinch the APC ticket at the scheduled direct primary.

    Ikuforiji spoke in Epe during the Kayokayo festival.

    At a meeting involving Sanwo-Olu, some party leaders and the grassroots mobilisers at Martino’s Hall, Ikeja, the chairmen, under the auspices of Conference of Ward Chairmen, promised to ensure Sanwo-Olu’s victory on Saturday.

    Shola Oshobajo, who spoke for the chairmen, assured Sanwo-Olu of his members’ support before, during and after the primary election.

    The Director-General of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO), Mr. Tayo Ayinde, described Sanwo-Olu as a party man, who will not abandon the party and its members if elected the governor.

    He enjoined the conference members to mobilise all party men and women in their individual wards to come out in large numbers and vote for Sanwo-Olu as the APC candidate.

    APC chieftain Cardinal James Odunmbaku told members of the Conference not to despair, emphasising that a Sanwo-Olu-led government will be a listening and an inclusive one, especially for members of the party whose input will be paramount and will form part of decision making process.

    Sanwo-Olu thanked them for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to disappoint them when he gets to power.

    He reminded the grassroots politicians of his role as a fund raiser for the party in most of the elections held in the past.

    At the festival in Epe, Ikuforiji urged the people to be calm and support the governor in prayers for him to be successful in the re-election bid.

  • Lagos: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat challenge good for democracy, says APC chair

    •Salvador heads Assembly aspirants secrening panel

    THE excitement triggered by the emergence of two challengers to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket is good for internal democracy, party Chairman Tunde Balogun said yesterday.

    He spoke at the ACME Road, Lagos secretariat of the party during the inauguration of a seven-member panel to screen aspirants into the State House of Assembly ahead of the primary scheduled for October 4.

    Balogun said that the emergence of two former Commissioners – Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu (Establishment & Training) and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (Works & Infrastructure) reflected the beauty of democracy.

    Assuring that the governorship candidate would be determined by party members at the primary, Balogun described the APC as a truly democratic party which had redefined governance in the state.

    He named Moshood Salvador as chairman of the panel to screen the aspirants.

    About 230 aspirants jostling for the state’s 40 assembly seats are to be screened by the committee.

    Salvador was, until recently, chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He defected with members of the state executive to the APC.

    Other members of the screening panel are: former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro; former House of Representatives member Wale Oshun; a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC), Dr. Yomi Finih and Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris.

    He told reporters after the closed-door inauguration that the setting up of the committee was in preparation for the state assembly primary.

    The committee, which, according to him, swings into action today, will conclude its job on Friday. It is to ensure that aspirants met the requirements to contest in the primary.

    Each of the members of the committee will chair a sub-committee with members to respond to the high number of aspirants.

    He said: “We have a large number of people who are to be screened to contest in the state House of Assembly primary.

    “We have 40 seats in the state and over 230 aspirants are to be screened.

    “This is a large number, and that is why each member of the committee is chairing a sub-committee to rise up to the challenge.

    “We are prepared for this enormous job, and and we are even expecting members from the national secretariat to do the work,” he said.

    He assured that the committee would carry out its responsibility without let or hindrance.

    On the inclusion of Salvador in the committee, Balogun said it reflected the party’s promise that all defectors would be treated equally like the others.

    The chairman said the APC would not renege on its promise to ensure new members were fully integrated.

    The ranks of APC in Lagos State swelled yesterday as the former Lagos State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Remi Adiukwu-Bakare was received into its fold from the PDP.

    Other defectors were the National Chairman of the Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN), Mr Dare Falade and the Lagos State Chairman of Democratic People’s Party (DPP), Mr Tajudeen Yinus and their supporters.

    Welcoming the defectors, Balogun said he was excited that progressives who left APC were coming back to the ruling party.

    Adiukwu-Bakare assured the leadership of APC that she would work tirelessly to ensure the party has a good outing during the 2019 general elections.

  • Lagos requires change for progress, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Jide Sanwo-Olu yesterday announced his bid for the job. He called for “change for progress” in the Centre of Excellence.

    He told the cheering crowd at the historic City Hall in the heart of Lagos Island that the time to take the state to a greater level had come.

    He urged party faithful to vote for him at the September 25 direct primary, saying that he will not disappoint the platform as a loyal, committed, tested and trusted member.

    The former Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions spoke on his vision for Lagos. He promised to pursue the party’s welfarist programmes, which he said were implemented by former Governor Bola Tinubu and his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

    Describing himself as a “capable, competent and tested hand to make Lagos greater”, Sanwo-Olu promised to remain loyal to the platform, if elected governor.

    He said: “I declare that, I, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu shall be a true party man in the real definition of the word by running an inclusive government, according to the ideology of the APC and the long-term benefits of the great citizens of Lagos State. Loyalty is the currency of politics. I shall be loyal to the people of Lagos State, the organs and the leadership of the party.

    “I call on party members and citizens to join me to elevate our State in all facets of human endeavour through improvement, enlightenment and development.”

    He added: “I urge you all to come out with your membership cards and slips to vote for me at the direct primaries ordered by the party so that we can continue the journey towards peace, order and development for the good people of our dear Lagos State.

    “History is not made in a day, but it is made on the day that you start to make the labours of the past and the hope for the future the touchstone of our endeavours. That day is today. I pray that God Almighty shall crown all our efforts with resounding success.”

    Sanwo-Olu, who hails from Lagos Island, will face two other contestants, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and former Works & Infrastructure Commissioner Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the shadow poll.

    Prominent APC leaders and elders, including Senator Gbenga Ashafa, the party’s former deputy chairman, James Odunmbaku, vice chairman (Lagos West District), Prince Sunny Ajose, his East District counterpart, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, former Rural Development Commissioner Dr. Tola Kasali and his Housing counterpart, Dele Onabokun, hailed Sanwo-Olu’s entry into the race, describing it as timely and strategic.

    Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ibironke, and his campaign manager, Tayo Ayinde, the aspirant stormed the hall around 2.40 pm, amid cheers by chairmen of 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and other party faithful from Lagos Island and environs, who reiterated their determination to support his bid.

    At the City Hall were former Minister of State for Defence Demola Seriki, House of Representatives member Prince Rotimi Agunsoye, Alawiye King, Israel Ajao, Abdullahi Enilolobo, Kola Perry Grillo, Setonji Bamgbose, Ayodele Adewale, Rev. Sam Ogedengbe, Sola Giwa, Bolaji Ayinya, Segun Dawodu, Lanre Ope, Bolanle-Akinyemi-Obe, Afolabi Sofola, Abiodun Mafe, Ladi Balogun, Bayo Ajisebutu, Omolola Essien, Sesan Daini, Ademorin Kuye, Owolabi Martins, Adekunle Alli, Tunde Olorogun, Wale Adelana, and Mr. Bagostow.

    Tracing the history of governance in the metropolis since 1922, Sanwo-Olu, who paid tribute to illustrious pathfinders, including Herbert Macaulay, Sir Kitoye Ajasa, Dr. John Randle, Sapara Williams, Henry Carr, Candido da Rocha, Dr. Adeniji Jones and Dr Caulcrick, said Lagos history had been shaped by their primacy and values of democratisation.

    He also said future generations will treasure the contributions of two former governors – Brig-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson and Alhaji Lateef Jakande – and others who had worked for the progress of the state in the last 50 years.

    Sanwo-Olu paid special tribute to the party stalwart and former governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he described as the celebrated tactician and renowned certified accountant, who laid the foundation of modern Lagos.

    In his view, Tinubu has applied his knowledge to democracy and development, thereby earning the applause of progressives and other stakeholders across the country.

    Highlighting Tinubu’s achievements, he said: “The media has filled our consciousness with the courage displayed by our leader in reforming and modernising the revenue collection operations of Lagos State, converting government operations from analogue to digital and establishing a transparent, measurable and predictable system for running Lagos as a modern smart government.”

    Sanwo-Olu added: “The preparation of the visionary programme: ‘‘The Lagos State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LEEDS),” listing out the path to development of modern Lagos on four pillars across 25 years of expansion continues to provide the development blueprint for our people.

    “This vision, put together by eminent economists and passionate patriots, prepared our State ahead of its growing challenges. It remains to this day the most concrete manifestation of Asiwaju’s leadership and love for the great people of our State. I feel privileged to be part of the process that made it happen.

    “I assure you all that it shall continue to be the roadmap when I become the next civilian governor of our dear state.”

    The aspirant noted that the foundation laid by Tinubu has survived the test of time because he recruited excellent and brilliant successors.

    He thanked Lagosians for endorsing these successors for leadership in general elections, thereby making their election the popular choices of the people.

    Also thanking Fashola for his contributions to what he described as “this glorious path”, Sanwo-Olu said he was inspired by the courage and achievements of leaders who have charted the path of development for the state.

    Quoting the famous American President John F. Kennedy’s speech, he said: “I cannot continue to wait for what my state shall do for me, but to challenge myself on what to do for my State.”

    Sanwo-Olu flaunted his credentials, saying he is qualified to be governor, having previously served creditably as a Special Adviser to former Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro, Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions.

    He added: “My public sector career has crowned the glorious achievement of my journey through the private sector where I had worked in senior managerial positions in financial institutions such as Lead Merchant Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Atlantic Bank (now FCMB) and participated in major economic projects such as the privatisation and commercialisation of Federal Government-owned companies and parastatals.”

    Sanwo-Olu noted that the APC was established as a grassroots party of workers, artisans, middle class professionals and those who thirsted for progressive development.

    He promised to pursue the welfarist agenda, improve the economy of the city-state, provide jobs for youths and secure the environment.

    Reflecting on the refuse logjam, the aspirant said: “If elected, I shall immediately embark on the full restoration of the glory of Lagos and make you the people the cornerstone of government; to revamp the environment that has become a cause of serious anxiety to Lagosians and relieve Lagos of the persistent gridlocks that have made our lives brutish and nasty.”

    He added: “Our government’s focal point shall be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of the people of Lagos State. I have invited you here today to join me in the journey to take Lagos State to a new dimension by transforming the manifesto of our party to the programme of action.

    “I am sending a clarion call to our party members, men and women, youth and the elderly, that there is a lot of work to be done to achieve the Lagos of our dreams.”

    Seriki said Lagos Island and indeed all Lagosians, were excited at Sanwo-Olu’s entry in the race, assuring that the dream will become a reality.