Politics

Finally, Lagos APC Chairman Reveals Why He Declared Babajide Sanwo-Olu Winner

Interesting days are ahead, as more dramas are likely to unfold after the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) appeared to have struck a chord of division in the ruling party.

Against the declaration of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a winner has emerged in the Lagos governorship primary election.

Mr Babjide Sanwo-Olu was declared winner Tuesday with a wide margin.

It was like a kingdom divided against itself for some Lagos residents who had thought it was over with the election after the NWC declared it illegal and without credibility.

Fake election materials were used, the NWC claimed, but the APC in Lagos was on a cruise drive with the process to the letter.

After collating and announcing the result, with Mr Sanwo-Olu polling 970,851 while Governor Akinwunmi Ambode got 72,901 votes, the chairman of the APC in Lagos, Mr Tunde Balogun, said the people had spoken.

He then gave reasons it was necessary to announce the result of the primary that had been dubbed illegal.

“For me, as a party chairman, to see a vast number of people to come out and vote and then say that no primary took place will be to cast shame to the party and its leadership, this I shall not do.

“The party faithful have spoken, and it is their voice that is paramount.

“The Lagos chapter of APC is committed to honouring their choice.

“Their decision must stand as the true expression of APC in Lagos.

“To embark on any other course will be to betray our members, state and the core principle of progress and democracy upon which the APC is founded”.

He then highlighted that the NWC members that had cancelled the election were in direct opposition to the spirit of democracy.

“Those persons who now claim this election did not take place stand in direct opposition to the spirit of democracy and the express will of APC members in Lagos state.

“Such a move is also at variance with the President’s strict adherence to the principle of transparency, openness and participatory democracy,” he added.

Lagos residents will have to wait and see where the entire drama will lead to.

With the result announced, the incumbent Governor becomes the first Governor of Lagos State to lose a second term bid since 1999.

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