Sanwo-Olu debunks rift with Tinubu, reaffirms loyalty in Sallah unity visit

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unequivocally dispelled rumours of a political rift between himself and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the speculations as baseless and orchestrated by mischief-makers seeking to sow discord within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists on Sunday after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence, Sanwo-Olu dismissed the reports of division as “media-driven fabrications” fueled by individuals “crying more than the bereaved.”

The governor was accompanied by prominent members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest political decision-making body in the state’s APC chapter.

“It’s our usual festive-period visit,” Sanwo-Olu explained, referring to the meeting as part of the GAC’s traditional Sallah homage.

“This is a time for Mr. President to meet with his brothers, elders, and leaders of our party. It’s something they always look forward to.”

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In recent months, speculation has been rife about an alleged power tussle between the Lagos State Governor and Tinubu’s loyalists, with claims that Sanwo-Olu was attempting to consolidate political control by sidelining key figures in the President’s local support base. However, Sunday’s visit appeared to put those rumours to rest.

Standing beside influential APC leaders, including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu reiterated his steadfast loyalty to Tinubu, whom he described as “both my leader and father.”

He praised Tinubu for laying the groundwork for Lagos’s ongoing infrastructural transformation and highlighted landmark projects such as the Blue Line Rail as evidence of their continued partnership.

Political observers believe the high-profile meeting was not only a celebration of Eid-el-Kabir but also a calculated display of unity and strength, signaling cohesion within the Lagos APC bloc.

The presence of the full GAC delegation and other party stalwarts further reinforced the message of alignment between the state government and the Presidency.

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Sanwo-Olu also used the platform to address growing public discontent ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day, pushing back against calls for nationwide protests. According to him, the Tinubu administration is making strides in economic recovery and deserves more time to deliver on its promises.

“What will be the basis of the protest?” Sanwo-Olu asked rhetorically. “The economy has made a positive turn. Give this President more time.”

The governor’s comments are being viewed in political circles as part of a broader effort to stabilize the APC’s internal dynamics and consolidate support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition Nigeria economically and politically.

As the Sallah celebrations continue, the tone from Lagos is clear: unity, not division, defines the relationship between Governor Sanwo-Olu and President Tinubu — a message aimed at quelling rumours and projecting strength as the party looks ahead to key political milestones.