The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the winner of the Lagos State governorship election.
Sanwo-Olu polled a total of 762,134 votes, defeating Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party who scored 312,329 votes, followed by Abdul-Azeez Adediran aka Jandor with 62,449 votes.
He was declared the winner at 1:15 am on Monday morning.
INEC announced the results at the commission’s state collation centre, but not without the LP collation agent condemning the exercise.
Moments after INEC’s declaration, victorious Sanwo-Olu in his acceptance speech said, “Lagosians have spoken well” adding that the people of the state had made their voices heard.
“To all of our fellow contestants, we want to salute you for participating in the democratic process, but Lagosians have spoken and have spoken well. They have spoken loud,” he said.
“Please remember that we’re extending a hand of fellowship to you, no victor, no vanquished. In the true spirit of sportsmanship, if you indeed believe that you want to serve this state, you have an opportunity with us and we will open our doors to listen and to give you a space in this government.”
He also spoke out against the identity politics that became commonplace in the lead-up to the polls last Saturday.
“During this campaign, unfortunately, we have seen very divisive rhetoric which is not a definition of who we are,” he said.
“So, Lagosians, we need to come together and further rebuild the capacity, the competence, and the experience that we have in this city. Religion should not divide us, ethnicity will not divide us. Lagos will come out bigger, stronger, and better.”
