Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended party members for the impressive turnout recorded during the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primary election in the state, describing the exercise as peaceful, free and transparent.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, arrived at Ward E3, St. Stephen’s WAEC School, Lagos Island, at about 11:44 a.m. on Thursday to participate in the direct primary election.
Speaking after casting his vote, the governor said the exercise reflected internal democracy within the APC, noting that the direct primary process gave party members at the grassroots the opportunity to participate freely in the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate.
Sanwo-Olu praised the orderly conduct of the exercise and the large turnout of party faithful at the polling unit, where about 1,810 members reportedly participated.
He also lauded party officials and electoral officers for ensuring a credible and transparent process.
The governor openly declared support for the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who emerged as the consensus candidate of the party, expressing confidence that he would secure victory at the governorship election.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the atmosphere at the venue remained calm and family-like despite the huge crowd that gathered before noon to vote.
Also speaking, Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Alade Folawiyo, described the turnout as massive and encouraging.
Folawiyo expressed optimism that Hamzat would sustain and consolidate on the achievements of the Sanwo-Olu administration if elected governor.
He added that the deputy governor possessed the experience and understanding required to continue ongoing infrastructural development and security improvements across the state.
“I am happy with the enthusiasm and excitement shown by party members in this ward,” Folawiyo said.