30th January, 2022
The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) the highest decision-making organ of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos has debunked viral news on social media that it has approved the replacement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with the state Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola for the 2023 governorship election.
GAC made the clarification in a statement signed by its secretary, Alhaji Mutiu Are, over the weekend.
According to the group, it is not within its realm to choose a replacement for any Governor, adding that the news was engineered to cause disaffection among party members and leaders of the party.
Alhaji Mutiu Are further noted that the GAC has not discussed the issue of the second term of Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Below is the full press statement from GAC:
The attention of the Governance Advisory Council has been drawn to a vexatious post circulating on WhatsApp purporting that the GAC, party leaders and stakeholders have settled for a replacement for Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu.
Ordinarily, we would not have dignified such an anonymous post with any response.
However, because of the possibility that some unwary persons may believe the words contained therein and interpret them as factual, the GAC would like to state as follows:
*That the GAC has not settled for any person to replace Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu as governor. Therefore, it is absolutely false and preposterous for anyone to suggest so.
2. That the process of picking a Governor is clearly stated in the constitution. And contrary to the false impression the merchant of hate, confusion, discord and disharmony wanted to create with the post, there is no discussion of second term ticket by the GAC.
3. It should also be pointed out that it is not within the realm of GAC to engage in picking replacements for a governor.
4. Importantly, the Independent National Electoral Commission has not signaled the commencement of the process for governorship election in Lagos State.
5. Governor Sanwo-olu was elected for a 4-year tenure which is still ongoing. The matter of replacement of the governor does not arise and is patently subjudice.
Governor Sanwo-olu is doing a wonderful job delivering infrastructure projects for Lagos and working daily on making the state better for all its residents.
6. Finally, we urge those behind this dangerous, dysfunctional and misguided post to desist forthwith.
SIGNED
Secretary, GAC