The long-simmering political tension in Lagos State eased on Sunday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu publicly forgave Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a reconciliation meeting facilitated by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
According to The Guardian, the high-level talks were held at Tinubu’s private residence in Ikoyi, where GAC members, led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, pleaded for the President’s forgiveness and reaffirmed the governor’s loyalty.
“All is over. There is no need to beat around the bush or go into unnecessary talk. Continue with your work,” Tinubu reportedly told Sanwo-Olu in front of the GAC.
The meeting ended days of speculation about a growing rift between the President and the Lagos governor. Political watchers noted Sanwo-Olu’s absence from key public engagements and a perceived public snub by Tinubu, sparking rumours of internal fractures within the Lagos APC.
Sources revealed that GAC members, alarmed by the public fallout, worked behind the scenes to bring both leaders to the table. Prince Olusi was said to have made a direct appeal to Tinubu, stating: “We know you are not pleased with some of us, especially the governor. We ask for mercy.”
Tinubu responded by declaring the matter resolved, instructing Sanwo-Olu and the council to proceed with preparations for the July 12 local government elections. “Go ahead and ensure the right thing is done. Give fair opportunities to everyone,” he reportedly said.
Sanwo-Olu and the GAC members were seen prostrating before the President—a symbolic gesture of respect and allegiance.
Although neither side had openly acknowledged the discord, insiders traced the fallout to Sanwo-Olu’s alleged attempts to consolidate control by sidelining key Tinubu loyalists. One flashpoint involved tensions with Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, considered a strong Tinubu ally.
Royal diplomacy also played a role. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, paid Tinubu a courtesy visit days earlier, which insiders say included behind-closed-doors discussions about the Lagos political atmosphere.
After the reconciliation, Sanwo-Olu appeared relaxed and cheerful as he left the residence with his team. Asked about the alleged dispute, he dismissed the claims. “Do you see any discord? Can’t you see when you are smiling, I’m smiling?” he said.
He described the GAC visit as a Sallah homage, reiterating his loyalty to the President and support for his administration. On recent criticisms of Tinubu’s policies, he added, “The economy has made a positive bend. What will be the basis of any protest? Give this President more time.”
The Lagos APC crisis seems to be stabilizing, with party insiders affirming Sanwo-Olu’s loyalty to Tinubu and the national party structure. The resolution may have significant implications ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sowunmi’s Visit Fuels Lagos PDP Defection Talks
Meanwhile, the political space saw fresh intrigue as Segun Sowunmi, a prominent ally of Atiku Abubakar, visited Tinubu during the Sallah festivities. He described the meeting as “engaging and nostalgic” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), raising speculation about his possible defection to the APC.
Sowunmi’s visit follows reports that several members of the Lagos PDP, including a former deputy governorship candidate and several Assembly candidates from the 2023 elections, plan to defect to the APC. The move is expected to be formalized at the Lagos4Lagos Movement secretariat in Ikeja.
Sources say the planned defection, led by Dr. Olajide Adediran (Jandor), signals a deepening crack within the PDP in Lagos, as more prominent figures align with the ruling party.
Article updated 4 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
