Politics
Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Loyalty To Tinubu, Calls Rift Claims Baseless
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has strongly debunked ongoing speculation of a rift between himself and President Bola Tinubu, describing such claims as unfounded and driven by external forces eager to stir division.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday following a closed-door meeting with the President at his Ikoyi residence, Sanwo-Olu dismissed the rumours as media fabrications from people “crying more than the bereaved.”
Joined by members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) — the highest political decision-making body within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) — the governor made it clear that his relationship with Tinubu remains one of deep respect and political alignment.
“It’s our usual. You know, festive period Council visits and a time for Mr. President to meet with his brothers, leaders of our party… It’s something that they always look forward to,” Sanwo-Olu explained.
The governor emphasised that the visit was part of a long-standing Sallah tradition by the GAC, aimed at honouring party elders and reinforcing unity during festive seasons. He also used the occasion to offer prayers and express collective support for the President’s leadership.
Over the past several months, reports had suggested that Sanwo-Olu was moving to sideline key Tinubu loyalists in Lagos, allegedly seeking greater political autonomy. But on Sunday, the governor directly addressed and denied such insinuations, reaffirming his loyalty to Tinubu, whom he referred to as “both my leader and father.”
Sanwo-Olu also credited Tinubu with laying the foundation for Lagos’s infrastructural evolution, citing federal support and major state developments such as the Blue Line Rail Project, as examples of continuity and partnership.
Amid the backdrop of speculation and perceived party disunity, political insiders say the meeting also served as a strategic show of strength and cohesion within the APC’s Lagos bloc. It was attended by Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat and other top party stalwarts, who departed the meeting alongside the GAC convoy — further signaling a united front.
Addressing wider national issues, Sanwo-Olu pushed back against planned protests ahead of June 12 Democracy Day, arguing that the current administration is steering the economy in the right direction.
“What will be the basis of the protest? The economy has made a positive turn. Give this President more time,” he urged.
The governor’s comments are seen as part of a broader political realignment within the APC, aimed at stabilizing internal structures and reaffirming support for the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
As speculation gives way to public displays of solidarity, Sanwo-Olu’s message is clear: there is no rift — only unity and shared vision between Lagos and the Presidency.
Ripplesnigeria.com
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appointed Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, as his new Chief of Staff, following the resignation of Segun Ogunwuyi.
Makinde also appointed Mrs Aderonke Adedayo, his Special Adviser on General Intervention and Donor Agencies, as Director-General of the Due Process Office.
The appointments were announced in letters signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, on Monday.
Akinwole, a grassroots politician, previously served as Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission.
Adedayo will combine her new responsibilities as Director-General of the Due Process Office with her existing role as Special Adviser on General Intervention and Donor Agencies.
Both appointments take immediate effect.
The governor congratulated the appointees and urged them to discharge their duties with loyalty, commitment and dedication to the service of Oyo State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to release the final list of candidates contesting the February 6, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, with eight states excluded from the governorship poll.
According to The Nation, the commission is scheduled to publish the final list on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in line with Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
There are 8 affected states where governorship elections will not hold as part of the February 2027 electoral exercise because they operate on separate election schedules.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed during a world press conference and stakeholders’ meeting that 21 of Nigeria’s 22 registered political parties nominated 936 governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 28 states scheduled to elect governors in 2027.
The parties also nominated 9,692 candidates for the State Houses of Assembly elections.
Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 requires INEC to publish the names and addresses of nominated candidates at least 60 days before an election.
The law also provides a procedure for political parties to notify the commission if a candidate’s name is missing from the published list.
Under Section 32(2), such notification must be submitted in writing, signed by the party’s national chairman and secretary, and supported by an affidavit within 14 days of publication.
Although governorship elections will not take place in the eight excluded states during the February 2027 exercise, State House of Assembly elections are scheduled across all 36 states.
The commission’s final list is expected to provide further details of the candidates and political parties participating in the elections.
INEC had earlier set September 19, 2026, as the deadline for substituting candidates and September 26, 2026, as the final date for submitting nomination forms.
The publication of the final list will be an important step in preparations for the 2027 elections, as political parties and candidates move towards the next phase of campaigning.
new Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs).
The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointments of new Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs).
The Governor also approved the appointment of Alhaji Moshood Kewuyemi as the Chief Imam of the Government House Mosque.
The new SSAs include:
Ms. Folashade Ogunoye, SSA Gender
Alhaji Aminu Saidi Tunde, SSA Islamic Religion Affairs
Rev. Tunde Ogunsuyi, SSA Christian Religion Affairs
Kemisola Obamoyegun, SSA Housing
Dr. Oluwatobi Aruwajoye, SSA Primary Health
Alhaja Mohammed Sikirat Idera, SSA Muslim Women Affairs
Mrs Ehuwa Victoria Olufunke, SSA Christian Women Affairs
Alhaja Fauzart Gidado, SSA Women Mobilisation (Central).
And, others.
The appointments take immediate effect.
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