The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has endorsed Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term to rerun for 2023 governorship election in Lagos.
GAC is the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
This announcement was made on the social media handle of Gboyega Akosile Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Sanwo-Olu. According to Akosile, the decision was taken after a GAC on Monday.
Akosile wrote, “breaking news: Lagos GAC gives nod to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term bid. The Governance Advisory Council at a meeting in Lagos today gave pass mark to Sanwo-Olu for staying through to the developmental agenda of Lagos.
Congratulations dear boss!”
This announcement comes few weeks after the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) had dismissed speculations on endorsing another candidate for the 2023 Lagos governorship election.
In a statement issued by GAC in January 2022, the council said: “The GAC has not settled for any person to replace Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as governor. Therefore, it is absolutely false and preposterous for anyone to suggest so.
“The process of picking a Governor is clearly stated in the constitution. And contrary to the false impression the merchant of hate, confusion, discord and disharmony wanted to create with the post, there is no discussion of second term ticket by the GAC.
“It should also be pointed out that it is not within the realm of GAC to engage in picking replacements for a governor.
“Importantly, the Independent National Electoral Commission has not signaled the commencement of the process for governorship election in Lagos State.”
In the same month, Governor Sanwo-Olu during an interview with Channels Television said the people of Lagos were aware of what they would miss if his administration was denied a second term.
He said; “I think we are doing a very good job.
“If I dare say so, I think that the citizens know what it is they will be missing if they don’t let us continue to wrap up all the things we are doing.
“As we speak, we have done about two-thirds of our term – about 65.7 per cent, because we count it every day. The field is not open yet; the race has not been declared open yet. But for me, it is about ensuring that these four years that I have promised my citizens, I put every bit of my sweat into it.
“I will ask, I will consult; citizens, how do you see it? …. that’s how you get it down. Keep your focus on, try and finish very strong. You know when it is time for us to do all the politicking, we will do it.”
