NIGERIA: Sanwo-Olu Dismisses Rift Rumours, Reaffirms Lagos’ Loyalty To Tinubu

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has debunked claims of a rift between himself and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing such rumours as “mischievous” and “entirely baseless.”

Speaking with journalists after a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that both he and the state government remain fully aligned with the President’s leadership and vision for Nigeria.

The governor said, “There’s no discord whatsoever. Even you are smiling and I’m smiling. Some people believe they are more Catholic than the Pope. There are things that you see – people crying more than the bereaved. He’s my father, he’s my leader, and we’re grateful that he gave us audience today.”

Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership body of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.

The delegation visited the President as part of their annual Eid-el-Adha festivities.

He further stated:  “It’s our usual festive period courtesy visit. It’s a time for Mr. President to meet with his brothers and the leaders of our party. The GAC looks forward to it every time he is around, and this was no exception.”

The governor lauded President Tinubu for his administration’s reforms, especially in infrastructure and transportation, noting that recent economic indicators point to gradual recovery.

Sanwo-Olu said, “Earlier today, we unveiled 12 brand-new coaches for our Blue Line rail system at the National Arts Theatre. That project was possible because of President Tinubu’s intervention and support during the post-subsidy transition.”

He also noted the falling prices of fuel and food as signs of improving economic conditions, urging Nigerians to remain patient with the administration’s reform agenda.

“We can feel it. We can see it. For the first time, you see petroleum pump prices coming down. You see food prices coming down. These are things that put money in citizens’ pockets. If you’ve done well, let’s say it”, he said.

Sanwo-Olu also addressed planned protests by some civil society groups on June 12, questioning the rationale behind them.

Sanwo-Olu said: “I also want to use this opportunity to admonish… we’re hearing people saying they want to protest on June 12. What will be the basis? We’re engaging them, we’re talking to them. In two years, give this President more time. The economy has made a positive bend, and we just need to stay the course.”

During the closed-door meeting, President Tinubu reportedly urged party leaders to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Lagos.

Describing the meeting as “energising and unifying,” Sanwo-Olu said the party remains solidly behind the President.

“ He (President) was very happy to see us, extremely happy. He was excited that we are one big, happy family and not divided in any form. We all honestly pledged our full loyalty to him and his government. It was unanimous. We’re not just excited because he’s our father and leader…we’re excited because we can feel the impact of his leadership. Lagosians are happy, and we are firmly behind him,” the governor said.