Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Lagosians have spoken and made their voices heard after he was declared the winner of Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
Sanwo-Olu stated this in his acceptance speech shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared him re-elected governor of the state.
Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes to defeat his closest rival, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party who polled 312,329 and followed by Olajide Adeniran of the Peoples Democratic Party who polled 62,449 votes.
“To all of our fellow contestants, we want to salute you for participating in the democratic process, but Lagosians have spoken and have spoken well. They have spoken loud. Please remember that we’re extending a hand of fellowship to you, no victor, no vanquished. In the true spirit of sportsmanship, if you indeed believe that you want to serve this state, you have an opportunity with us and we will open our doors to listen and to give you a space in this government,” part of his speech reads.
The governor also spoke out against the identity politics that became commonplace in the lead-up to the polls last Saturday.
“During this campaign, unfortunately, we have seen very divisive rhetoric which is not a definition of who we are. So, Lagosians, we need to come together and further rebuild the capacity, the competence, and the experience that we have in this city. Religion should not divide us, ethnicity will not divide us. Lagos will come out bigger, stronger, and better.”
