The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has declared Babajide Sanwo-Olu as winner of the gubernatorial primary election held in the State.
The chairman of the party in the state, Tunji Balogun made the declaration at the state headquarters of the party in Ogba, Ikeja, on Tuesday night.
Balogun said, ”We were preparing for the election on the 1st of October before the cancellation was announced. The same thing was done again today but we were in the queue for most part of the day and I have observed that the elections have been free fair and transparent.
“It was direct primary, truly direct. Human beings were counted, not phones, not ballot papers. It would have been very painful to disenfranchise 1.5 million Lagosians who are members of APC who took part in today’s primary.
“I commend and salute them for their doggedness and forthrightness. The results have started come in and we waited till we got the last result.
“It is my pleasure and delight to announce the result of the election conducted in all the wards of Lagos state. The results are as follows Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, 72,901 votes. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, 970,851 votes.”
It will be recalled that earlier on Monday, Clement Ebri, chairman of the primary election committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state, said the APC primaries held earlier in the day was cancelled because the open ballot used was against the guideline of the party.
A fresh poll was, therefore, ordered by the party’s NEC.
At a press conference after his committee met with executive officials of the party in the state, Ebiri distanced his panel from exercise which held earlier in the day, insisting that the committee was determined to do what is right.
Ebri said, “We have to be careful because of the political tension in the state… we have to do things right. Lagos state is so important to us.”
“We want a victory that will be credible, and will be in line with the guidelines and rules… We are ready to go to the field now so that at the end of the day, we won’t be accused of being partisan. We are now ready to hit the ground running.
“We have the electoral materials here but considering the Lagos situation, traffic and all, we will wait on the national office for action. The stage is set and the election will begin anytime from now. We will let you know as soon as officials come to get materials.”