Sanwo-Olu invites political opponents to move Lagos forward

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sent out an invitation to his political opponents so they can work together in moving the state forward.

Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday invited his political opponents in a post he made on X (formerly Twitter) following his victory at the Lagos Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Monday.

The Tribunal dismissed the petitions brought by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and the Labour Party (LP) as well as that of Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the victory of Sanwo-Olu in the March 18 governorship election.

“Yesterday the Election Petition Tribunal dismissed emphatically two petitions against our government and unanimously reaffirmed our victory at the polls to the Glory of God and in service to the people,” Sanwo-Olu wrote.

“Governance is about service, not distractions and this victory inspires us to redouble our efforts in delivering quality dividends of democracy to Lagosians.

“Our promise remains steadfast; the voices of Lagosians were heard loud and clear at the polls, resulting in our reaffirmed landslide victory.

“I will like to extend a hand of fellowship to my opponents in the election, I ask that you display a spirit of sportsmanship and accept the verdict of the tribunal in good faith.

“I invite you to join hands with us and channel your passion to causes that would take the state to the next phase of development,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu added that his administration is ready to sit with the members of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) rival political parties and have conversations around what ways they can channel their ideas in the development of the state.

According to him, Lagos is big and its challenges are real, while its opportunities are boundless and there is always room for everybody to contribute.

Sanwo-Olu further commended the judiciary and the judges that delivered the well “thought-out and detailed judgments”.

He said they took their time to explain to everyone the reasons that led them to the views and conclusion they gave.

“We thank the judges for their firm commitment to principle of fairness and justice,” the Lagos state governor said.

“I also thank Mr President as well as the leadership of our great party, APC, at the state and Nationwide level for their role in the success of our re-election.

“@drobafemihamzat and I feel very privileged to have been elected to serve at this important moment in the history of our state.

“We thank all Lagosians for standing by us all through this journey. For us, this judgement is a victory for all. We are not coming out here to say somebody won or lost.”

Sanwo-Olu added that for everyone on this political trajectory, there are no winners or losers.

Jandor had contested the results of the March 18 governorship election in Lagos State, challenging the victory of Sanwo-Olu and his vice Hamzat.

Justice Mikhail Abdullah announced the decision while delivering judgement on the objections raised by the respondents in the case.