Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could lose an election under President Bola Tinubu without endangering Nigeria’s democracy. He made this statement during the seventh annual lecture hosted by Freedom Online at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday.
Sanwo-Olu pointed to the recent Osun State governorship election on August 15, where the current Governor Ademola Adeleke won against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji. Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji received 444,815 votes, illustrating Tinubu’s dedication to democratic values.
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He emphasized that this election result shows the ruling party can experience defeat without the federal government intervening to alter the outcome. “There was a time in this country when ‘federal might’ was a term freely used by the ruling party,” he remarked. “With this President, the ruling party can lose in the South-West during an election year, and nothing catastrophic happens. This is indicative of a maturing democracy.”
Sanwo-Olu described Tinubu as a “lifelong democrat” committed to fostering a stronger democratic framework. His comments followed Tinubu’s congratulations to Adeleke on his re-election, framing the outcome as a testament to the wishes of the Osun electorate and a sign that democracy will continue to thrive.
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The governor noted that improvements in Nigeria’s electoral process, such as the implementation of the Electoral Act and technology for voter verification and result transmission, have been beneficial. However, he stressed the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission to be adequately prepared for the 2027 general elections.
He urged political parties and candidates to respect the electoral system, cautioning that no political gain is worth the life of any Nigerian. “A mandate is only valid if derived from a legitimate process. No position in this country is worth the life of a single citizen, and no victory achieved through dishonest means can truly be considered a victory,” he stated.
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Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the significant role governors will play in the upcoming elections, suggesting that voters will assess them based on their performance.
He called for an independent media that holds politicians accountable, including those from the ruling APC. “I’m not advocating for a compliant press, as such a press serves no purpose in a democracy; it flatters the powerful and neglects the public,” he emphasized.
The governor warned that manipulated videos, anonymous social media accounts, and disinformation could create major challenges for the 2027 elections.
