Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has firmly denied reports of any rift between him and President Bola Tinubu, dismissing the rumour as baseless media speculation driven by outsiders “crying more than the bereaved.”
Sanwo-Olu spoke to journalists on Sunday shortly after attending a high-level closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at his private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.
He was joined by members of the influential Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex political decision-making body within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Media reports have for several months suggested growing tensions between the President and the Lagos governor, alleging that Sanwo-Olu had attempted to assert political independence by marginalising key Tinubu loyalists in the state’s political structure.
However, Sanwo-Olu rubbished the claims, describing President Tinubu as both his leader and father.
“Do you see any discord? Can’t you see when you are smiling, I’m smiling? There’s none. He’s my father, he’s my leader,” the governor said. “People are just crying more than the bereaved.”
The governor clarified that the visit was part of a long-standing tradition by the GAC to pay Sallah homage to party elders and leaders, particularly 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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the meeting was also an opportunity to offer prayers, express support for the President, and reaffirm the group’s collective commitment to the APC and its leadership.
He praised President Tinubu’s impact on the development of Lagos, citing key achievements such as the completion of the Blue Line rail project and recent federal interventions aimed at reducing fuel and food prices.
Amid the lingering narrative of internal discord, the governor’s public reaffirmation of loyalty comes as part of what insiders describe as a broader effort to realign APC structures in Lagos and prevent further political fragmentation within the party.
Sanwo-Olu also dismissed calls for protests being planned around the June 12 Democracy Day, insisting that the country is beginning to turn a corner economically.
“What will be the basis of the protest? The economy has made a positive bend. Give this President more time,” he said.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat and other prominent figures of APC in the state also attended the meeting and departed the President’s residence alongside the GAC convoy, further reinforcing the impression of a united political front.
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