Lagos APC ashamed of 2023 Tinubu defeat – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state are yet to recover from the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Lagos, describing it as a source of lingering embarrassment.

The governor, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, on Tuesday, made the remark during an APC Ramadan lecture held in Lagos, where party faithful gathered for spiritual reflection and political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Addressing party members, Ayinde urged them to begin early preparations for the 2027 elections, stressing the importance of voter registration and participation as critical tools in securing electoral victory for the party.

He said, “Don’t let things be like the last time, we all must get our PVCs, because what happened the last time (2023 election) was not good enough, and we are still ashamed of it.

“We are honestly still ashamed of it. For things not to go that route, we all must equip ourselves with our PVCs ahead of the elections next year.”

Sanwo-Olu said sustaining the achievements of the current administration at the federal level would depend largely on ensuring the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

The chairman of the lecture committee, Mayegun Moshood, commended attendees for their turnout despite their tight schedules and used the opportunity to rally support for the party.

He said, “Despite a very tight schedule, we are able to do this programme at this time; we give thanks to God.

“Nevertheless, I want to appeal to everyone in this gathering to stand by our party. Yes, today is about the Ramadan lecture, but I must beg our people to please get their PVCs because the election is around the corner.

“Voting for our father, Bola Tinubu, is a necessity, considering the very commendable works that he is currently doing. To make this work a complete success, we must all stand together to ensure our father’s second term in office.”

Lagos Central APC Chairman, Muyideen Daramola, who represented the state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, urged Muslim faithful to sustain the virtues imbibed during Ramadan.

He said, “You will all agree with me that you have seen God’s intervention in different aspects of your life during this Ramadan, so, to continue to enjoy God’s fullness in the same measure, you must continue to live the holy life that you currently portray during Ramadan.”

The event, which blended religious teachings with political messaging, also featured a lecture, with the theme: “Maintaining our righteousness after Ramadan,” delivered by Islamic scholar Abdulrahman Lawal.

In his lecture, Lawal urged Muslim faithful to uphold the spiritual discipline observed during Ramadan beyond the fasting period, noting that the benefits of the holy month extended beyond religious obligations to overall well-being.

He said, “When you fast, you will enjoy good health because fasting has health benefits and it also draws you closer to God, among other things.

“You will agree with me that God has been good to us all, particularly during this Ramadan, but for us to continue to enjoy such goodness, we must maintain our purity and righteousness to God.”

The cleric further highlighted practices such as periodic fasting, keeping righteous company, and continuous self-evaluation as essential steps to sustaining spiritual growth after Ramadan.(Punch)