President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu met on Sunday at the President’s private Ikoyi residence, setting social media abuzz with renewed speculation of a rift between the two prominent APC leaders. However, the meeting which coincided with the Sallah festivities served as a statement of unity, effectively putting to rest the swirling rumours of a political fallout.
The closed-door meeting followed an earlier visit by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who had briefed the President on his diplomatic engagement in Kazakhstan and paid homage during the Eid break. Sanwo-Olu, while addressing the press shortly after, described talks of a feud as unfounded and sensational, likening them to “people crying more than the bereaved.”
“Do you see any discord? Can’t you see when you’re smiling, I’m smiling? There’s none,” the governor said emphatically. “He’s my father, he’s my leader,” he added, reinforcing his loyalty to Tinubu, who is widely regarded as his political mentor.
Sanwo-Olu clarified that the meeting was a traditional courtesy visit led by the Governors’ Advisory Council (GAC), a practice observed during festive periods. He emphasized that such interactions are routine and offer an opportunity for party leaders to engage in strategy, reflection, and bonding.
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The Lagos governor went further to outline the visible impact of President Tinubu’s leadership, citing infrastructure milestones such as the rollout of new Blue Line trains in Lagos and emerging signs of relief in fuel and food prices. These developments, he said, are early indicators of the President’s reform agenda making tangible progress.
Addressing the planned June 12 protests, Sanwo-Olu dismissed them as misguided. “What will be the basis of the protest? The economy has made a positive bend. Give this President more time,” he asserted, urging Nigerians to remain patient and focused on the long-term vision.
Reaffirming his unwavering support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sanwo-Olu assured that the GAC and other party stakeholders remain united ahead of the upcoming local government elections. The visit not only reestablished political camaraderie but also sent a strong message of internal stability within the APC leadership at both state and federal levels.
