By Seye Olumide (Ibadan), Gbenga Salau, Kehinde Olatunji and Eniola Daniel (Lagos)
The South-South residents in Lagos State, yesterday, declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Babafemi Hamzat, citing continuity of development and inclusiveness in the state.
The South-South people, under the auspices of Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa (CREDAB) People’s Association and South-South Peoples United Forum, expressed optimism that Sanwo-Olu’s re-election would ensure development and conducive environment for all.
National Co-ordinator of the association, Chief Lucky Oyakhire, said that the reason for the Labour Party victory in Lagos during the presidential election on February 25, 2023, was because the people were not sensitised enough, adding that 40 per cent of the votes in Lagos were from the South-South people.
SIMILARLY, the Accord Party (AP) in Lagos State has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for a second term in office.
The state chairman of the party, Dele Oladeji, who spoke during a media briefing, yesterday, where the AP in Lagos collapsed its structure and declared for the APC gubernatorial candidate, said that the adoption of APC’s candidate is a watershed.
Oladeji, who promised that they would not allow overzealous persons to cast a shadow on Lagos State by putting a blemish on it, added that the governorship candidate of the AP in the state, Peter Obayuwana, and other candidates had stepped down for those in the APC.
ALSO, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) of the late Dr. Fredrick Fasehun’s faction, yesterday, urged the electorate to re-elect Sanwo-Olu.
President of the organisation, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, stated this at a pre-election media conference in Lagos.
HOWEVER, the governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) for Lagos State, Akinwunmi Braithwaite, has denied withdrawing from the race and endorsing Sanwo-Olu of the APC.
In a statement, yesterday, Media Director, Akinwunmi Braithwaite Campaign Organisation, Yemi Daniels, described the report as untrue and mischievous, saying that no such thing happened.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our candidate has not endorsed any other candidate. The happiness of Lagosians and the emergence of a more humane society remains the topmost priority of our campaign,” the statement stated.
“Akinwunmi Braithwaite is happy to continue representing those Lagosians that are passionate about the people-centered agenda that he represents. It is common knowledge that the downtrodden, as well as public-spirited Lagosians are yearning for a new deal, which will deliver social upliftment, full employment and economic emancipation, which Braithwaite seeks to deliver.
“Our candidate is a lover of peace with a sterling track record in ethical corporate leadership and noble causes, as well as community development.
“He is not averse to inclusive governance, but insists that this must be based on candour, proper consultation and broad based agreement. He is saddened by the actions and posturing of various groups who have heated up the polity and wishes to seize this opportunity to request that all stakeholders be circumspect and reticent about their electioneering. They should show respect for all and work towards the happiness of Lagos.
“We urge our teeming supporters to remain resolute in their conviction, as we navigate the maze of our current political landscape.
Source: The Guardian