Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has firmly denied any rift between him and President Bola Tinubu, describing such reports as "baseless media speculation" driven by outsiders "crying more than the bereaved."
The governor made these remarks on Sunday following a high-level closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at his private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. The meeting included members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex political decision-making body within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
For months, media reports have suggested growing tensions between the President and the Lagos governor, with allegations that Sanwo-Olu had attempted to assert political independence by sidelining key Tinubu loyalists in the state's political structure.
"Tinubu is My Leader and Father"
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu dismissed these claims, describing President Tinubu as both his leader and father. He explained that the visit was part of a long-standing tradition by the GAC to pay Sallah homage to party elders and leaders during festive seasons.
"It's our usual. You know, festive period Council visits and a time for Mr. President to meet with his brothers, leaders of our party... It's something that they always look forward to," the governor stated.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the meeting also provided an opportunity to offer prayers, express support for the President, and reaffirm the group's collective commitment to the APC and its leadership.
Praise for Tinubu's Impact on Lagos
The governor highlighted Tinubu's significant contributions to Lagos development, specifically mentioning the completion of the Blue Line rail project and recent federal interventions aimed at reducing fuel and food prices.
Political analysts view the governor's public reaffirmation of loyalty as part of a broader effort to realign APC structures in Lagos and prevent further political fragmentation within the party.
Dismisses Planned June 12 Protests
Sanwo-Olu also addressed calls for protests being planned around the June 12 Democracy Day, questioning the rationale behind such demonstrations.
"What will be the basis of the protest? The economy has made a positive turn. Give this President more time," he urged.
The meeting was also attended by Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat and other prominent APC figures in the state. Their departure alongside the GAC convoy from the President's residence further reinforced the impression of a united political front within the Lagos APC.
The public display of unity comes at a crucial time as the party works to maintain its political dominance in Nigeria's commercial capital amid changing political dynamics at both state and federal levels.
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