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Lagos requires change for progress, says Sanwo-Olu

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•Sanwo-Olu, his wife Ibijoke (right) and Seriki at the ceremony...yesterday. PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Jide Sanwo-Olu yesterday announced his bid for the job. He called for “change for progress” in the Centre of Excellence.

He told the cheering crowd at the historic City Hall in the heart of Lagos Island that the time to take the state to a greater level had come.

He urged party faithful to vote for him at the September 25 direct primary, saying that he will not disappoint the platform as a loyal, committed, tested and trusted member.

The former Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions spoke on his vision for Lagos. He promised to pursue the party’s welfarist programmes, which he said were implemented by former Governor Bola Tinubu and his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

Describing himself as a “capable, competent and tested hand to make Lagos greater”, Sanwo-Olu promised to remain loyal to the platform, if elected governor.

He said: “I declare that, I, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu shall be a true party man in the real definition of the word by running an inclusive government, according to the ideology of the APC and the long-term benefits of the great citizens of Lagos State. Loyalty is the currency of politics. I shall be loyal to the people of Lagos State, the organs and the leadership of the party.

“I call on party members and citizens to join me to elevate our State in all facets of human endeavour through improvement, enlightenment and development.”

He added: “I urge you all to come out with your membership cards and slips to vote for me at the direct primaries ordered by the party so that we can continue the journey towards peace, order and development for the good people of our dear Lagos State.

“History is not made in a day, but it is made on the day that you start to make the labours of the past and the hope for the future the touchstone of our endeavours. That day is today. I pray that God Almighty shall crown all our efforts with resounding success.”

Sanwo-Olu, who hails from Lagos Island, will face two other contestants, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and former Works & Infrastructure Commissioner Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the shadow poll.

Prominent APC leaders and elders, including Senator Gbenga Ashafa, the party’s former deputy chairman, James Odunmbaku, vice chairman (Lagos West District), Prince Sunny Ajose, his East District counterpart, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, former Rural Development Commissioner Dr. Tola Kasali and his Housing counterpart, Dele Onabokun, hailed Sanwo-Olu’s entry into the race, describing it as timely and strategic.

Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ibironke, and his campaign manager, Tayo Ayinde, the aspirant stormed the hall around 2.40 pm, amid cheers by chairmen of 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and other party faithful from Lagos Island and environs, who reiterated their determination to support his bid.

At the City Hall were former Minister of State for Defence Demola Seriki, House of Representatives member Prince Rotimi Agunsoye, Alawiye King, Israel Ajao, Abdullahi Enilolobo, Kola Perry Grillo, Setonji Bamgbose, Ayodele Adewale, Rev. Sam Ogedengbe, Sola Giwa, Bolaji Ayinya, Segun Dawodu, Lanre Ope, Bolanle-Akinyemi-Obe, Afolabi Sofola, Abiodun Mafe, Ladi Balogun, Bayo Ajisebutu, Omolola Essien, Sesan Daini, Ademorin Kuye, Owolabi Martins, Adekunle Alli, Tunde Olorogun, Wale Adelana, and Mr. Bagostow.

Tracing the history of governance in the metropolis since 1922, Sanwo-Olu, who paid tribute to illustrious pathfinders, including Herbert Macaulay, Sir Kitoye Ajasa, Dr. John Randle, Sapara Williams, Henry Carr, Candido da Rocha, Dr. Adeniji Jones and Dr Caulcrick, said Lagos history had been shaped by their primacy and values of democratisation.

He also said future generations will treasure the contributions of two former governors – Brig-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson and Alhaji Lateef Jakande – and others who had worked for the progress of the state in the last 50 years.

Sanwo-Olu paid special tribute to the party stalwart and former governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he described as the celebrated tactician and renowned certified accountant, who laid the foundation of modern Lagos.

In his view, Tinubu has applied his knowledge to democracy and development, thereby earning the applause of progressives and other stakeholders across the country.

Highlighting Tinubu’s achievements, he said: “The media has filled our consciousness with the courage displayed by our leader in reforming and modernising the revenue collection operations of Lagos State, converting government operations from analogue to digital and establishing a transparent, measurable and predictable system for running Lagos as a modern smart government.”

Sanwo-Olu added: “The preparation of the visionary programme: ‘‘The Lagos State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LEEDS),” listing out the path to development of modern Lagos on four pillars across 25 years of expansion continues to provide the development blueprint for our people.

“This vision, put together by eminent economists and passionate patriots, prepared our State ahead of its growing challenges. It remains to this day the most concrete manifestation of Asiwaju’s leadership and love for the great people of our State. I feel privileged to be part of the process that made it happen.

“I assure you all that it shall continue to be the roadmap when I become the next civilian governor of our dear state.”

The aspirant noted that the foundation laid by Tinubu has survived the test of time because he recruited excellent and brilliant successors.

He thanked Lagosians for endorsing these successors for leadership in general elections, thereby making their election the popular choices of the people.

Also thanking Fashola for his contributions to what he described as “this glorious path”, Sanwo-Olu said he was inspired by the courage and achievements of leaders who have charted the path of development for the state.

Quoting the famous American President John F. Kennedy’s speech, he said: “I cannot continue to wait for what my state shall do for me, but to challenge myself on what to do for my State.”

Sanwo-Olu flaunted his credentials, saying he is qualified to be governor, having previously served creditably as a Special Adviser to former Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro, Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions.

He added: “My public sector career has crowned the glorious achievement of my journey through the private sector where I had worked in senior managerial positions in financial institutions such as Lead Merchant Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Atlantic Bank (now FCMB) and participated in major economic projects such as the privatisation and commercialisation of Federal Government-owned companies and parastatals.”

Sanwo-Olu noted that the APC was established as a grassroots party of workers, artisans, middle class professionals and those who thirsted for progressive development.

He promised to pursue the welfarist agenda, improve the economy of the city-state, provide jobs for youths and secure the environment.

Reflecting on the refuse logjam, the aspirant said: “If elected, I shall immediately embark on the full restoration of the glory of Lagos and make you the people the cornerstone of government; to revamp the environment that has become a cause of serious anxiety to Lagosians and relieve Lagos of the persistent gridlocks that have made our lives brutish and nasty.”

He added: “Our government’s focal point shall be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of the people of Lagos State. I have invited you here today to join me in the journey to take Lagos State to a new dimension by transforming the manifesto of our party to the programme of action.

“I am sending a clarion call to our party members, men and women, youth and the elderly, that there is a lot of work to be done to achieve the Lagos of our dreams.”

Seriki said Lagos Island and indeed all Lagosians, were excited at Sanwo-Olu’s entry in the race, assuring that the dream will become a reality.

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Breaking : Oborevwori , Okowa others dumps PDP, defects to APC

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State have defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, by Senator James Manager, shortly after a meeting that lasted over six hours at Government House, Asaba.

Manager stated, “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC.

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.

The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniagwu Charles, officially confirmed the governor’s defection and the collective decision of Delta PDP leaders and stakeholders to join the APC.

Political observers have described the move as a major realignment that could reshape the political landscape of Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While Governor Oborevwori has yet to make a public statement on the defection, sources say further details on the rationale behind the move may emerge in the coming days.

Wike’s allies secure PDP control in Bayelsa, Edo
“There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns. And in adjusting that drinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development in our state, to build the court of law that has existed in our state, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and, to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated,” Aniagwu stated.

He continued, “In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed — and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.”

Charles added that the decision was unanimously made by party leaders and stakeholders, hinting at a formal public declaration soon.

“By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC,” he said.

The move marks a significant turning point in Delta State politics, signalling a broader political recalibration that could reshape party dominance in the South-South region.

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Update : C’River PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate,Emana Resigns From Party

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy Governorship Candidate in 2023 general election, in Cross River State, Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe, has resigned her membership from the party.

In a letter dated
march 28,2025, and addressed to the chairman of Edem Odo Ward, in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State, the former Deputy Governorship Candidate,explained that the resignation was with immediate effect.

She said her decision to leave the party was not made lightly, but she remains committed to serving her community and contributing to the progress of Cross River state and nation in other capacities.

In her words, “i am writing to formally resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.

” I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me over time to contribute my quota to the growth of the party and the chance to serve as the Deputy Governorship Candidate in the last general elections.

” It was a privilege to be part of the PDP’s vision and engage with our people in meaningful ways. However, after much reflection in light of the current state of affairs within the party, I believe it is time for me to move on.

“This decision was not made lightly, but I remain committed to serving my community and contributing to the progress of our state and nation in other capacities.

Continuing ” I appreciate the relationships and experiences gained during my time with the party and wish the PDP success in its future endeavours.

Amawhe, an embodiment of competence, capability and capacity,
was the Deputy Governorship Candidate to Senator Sandy Onor in Cross River State during the 2023 elections.

She was also an aspirant to the House of Representatives for the Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency on the platform of the PDP.

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Breaking : Sule Lamido blasts El-Rufai over call to join SDP, Says how can a grandson claim his grandfather knows nothing’

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Former Governor of Jigawa State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has fired back at former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his call for opposition politicians to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to SDP, urged opposition leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola to join him in his new political movement.

However, Lamido in an interview with BBC dismissed El-Rufai’s invitation, questioning his political ideology and commitment to national development.

“With all due respect, how does he expect us in PDP to leave and join another party? The PDP that we built is the same party that made him who he is today. How can a grandson claim his grandfather knows nothing?” Lamido said.

He recalled that El-Rufai once declared there were no political elders in Nigeria, insisting that he and his allies were the true power brokers.

“But now he claims he advised Buhari. If he truly had the power he once boasted of, why did he have to seek Buhari’s counsel?” Lamido asked.

The former governor stressed that, despite PDP’s internal challenges, it remained his political home.

“If PDP is struggling today, it is still the party that nurtured El-Rufai. If he claims PDP is dead, then he must remember that it is the party that gave him his political foundation. Whatever he has achieved today, PDP made it possible.”

“If I didn’t join APC in 2014 when I was invited, and they left PDP out of anger, why are they now leaving APC? What has APC done to them?” he asked.

He maintained that governance should not be driven by emotions or personal grudges.

“Leadership is about patience, foresight, and working for the peace of the people and the nation. If you allow emotions to dictate your decisions, you will never lead objectively.”

He stressed that if the goal is to unseat President Bola Tinubu, it should not be based on personal grievances but on national interest.

“We should not fight Tinubu just because we are angry at him or seeking revenge. Leadership should be about prioritizing the country’s well-being rather than personal emotions.”

Lamido concluded by urging politicians to focus on strengthening the country rather than making decisions based on resentment.

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