…as APC clears all 40 assembly seats
Reactions have been pouring in since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babajide Sanwo-Olu as winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state.
The incumbent governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday sent out his congratulatory message to the governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as well as the 40 House of Assembly candidates of the party for their resounding victory at Saturday’s polls.
Sanwo-Olu was declared winner of the election and governor-elect by the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the State, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede.
He trounced his closest challenger and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje with 739, 445 votes to 206,141.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the governor said the feat was a reward for the vigorous campaign embarked upon by the APC candidate and his running mate across the length and breadth of the state.
The statement reads: “Lagosians have spoken loud and clear with their votes and have overwhelmingly voted for a government they believe will continue the trajectory of growth that we have experienced in the last 20 years under the APC.
“It is therefore with great pleasure that I congratulate our great party for a resounding victory yesterday. Again, the people of Lagos have decided to stay on the path of infrastructural drive, economic growth and all round development.
“While I congratulate the Governor-Elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat on their well-deserved victory, let me also thank all Lagosians for keeping faith with the APC,” Governor Ambode said.
“Governor Ambode also congratulated all the 40 candidates of the APC in the State Assembly elections for emerging victorious, adding that it would ensure a seamless relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government.”
The national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu also expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the governorship election.
He congratulated the governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying that he deserved the victory.
After giving his acceptance speech at the state party secretariat on Acme Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu and the deputy governor-elect, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, had stormed the Bourdilion, Ikoyi residence of the leader.
The governor-elect was accompanied by party elders, chieftains and associates. He thanked Lagosians for giving him the mandate.
Party followers were singing and dancing at the secretariat, following the declaration of the results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Savouring the joy of victory, Tinubu told reporters that Lagosians voted for APC candidates in appreciation of the diligent services rendered to the state by successive progressive administrations.
He noted that Lagosians ignored the campaign slogan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jimi Agbaje, who was advocating freedom.
The former Lagos governor said the campaign approach was unwarranted and illogical because the Centre of Excellence has not been in bondage.
He said: “It is not about freedom fight, but about a thinker and doer and what APC can do in Lagos to develop further and make further progress.”
Party chair Tunde Balogun also congratulated members and Lagosians for reposing confidence in the party, assuring them that Sanwo-Olu will not disappoint them.
Balogun said yesterday was a memorable day, hailing Lagosians for making a wise choice.
He said: “Today, history is being made in Lagos as Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu becomes the governor-elect and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the deputy governor-elect of Lagos State.
“He will be sworn in on May 29 as the 15th governor of Lagos State. I pray all of us will be alive to witness the event.”
Meanwhile, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Mudashiru Obasa has also congratulated governor-elect, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy governor-elect, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat on their victory.
He felicitated with returning and new members-elect of the House of Assembly for what he described as “hard-earned but well deseved victory at the polls”.
“It was tough for us all but at the end of the day, a well deserved victory for all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a confirmation of the love Lagosians have for our great party and the giant strides we have been achieving in the state”, Obasa said in statement by his media aide, Rasak Musbau.