‘Lagos has chosen competence and experience’ – Sanwo-Olu says in acceptance speech
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said his re-election as Lagos state governor is a confirmation that the people of the state have chosen competence and experience.
The State’s Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, declared Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Saturday, March 18, 2020, governorship poll.
Oladiji, at 1:19 am on Monday, March 20, 2023, said Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes while his closest rival Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party polled votes and Olajide Adediran of the PDP polled 62,449 votes.
In his acceptance speech at the State House, shortly after he was declared winner of the poll, Sanwo-Olu said the people of the state have chosen “competence and experience on our march to greatness”.
“The announcement confirms that the mandate given to Femi (Hamzat) and I, have now been renewed and refreshed,” he added.
He said he is committed to ensuring that Lagos works for all and promised “to complete all that we have started and fulfil the new promises.”
He thanked the people of the state and said Lagos will now be on the same path with the Federal Government to be led by Bola Tinubu from May 29, 2023, to achieve the goal together.
“We are indeed happy that both Lagos and himself (Tinubu) will be on the same journey in achieving the Lagos journey together”, he said.
Sanwo-Olu’s party – the APC has been in power at the federal level since 2015 and many wonder if the governor has not been working with the APC-led Federal Government to achieve his vision for Lagos.
While calling on his opponents to join hands with him, the governor said “if you indeed believe you want to serve this state, you have an opportunity with us and we will open our doors to listen and give you a space in this government.”
In a poll marred by widespread report of violence, voters’ suppression and ethnic tension, the Lagos State Police Commissioner Idowu Owohunwa claimed the reports of violence were blown out of proportion.
The governor also addressed the widespread ethnic tension across the state before the election and called on residents to shun the rhetoric.
“What unites us as Lagos is far more substantial than what people wight want to divide us,” Sanwo-Olu said.
