Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) can lose a South-West state during an election under President Bola Tinubu without Nigeria’s democracy being threatened.
Drivetvnews gathered that Sanwo-Olu made the remark at Freedom Online’s seventh annual lecture in Ikeja, Lagos, while discussing Nigeria’s democratic development and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Using the recent Osun governorship election as an example, the governor said the APC’s loss showed that the ruling party could be defeated at the polls without the electoral system collapsing.
He described the development as evidence of a maturing democracy and maintained that political competition should be allowed to thrive.
Sanwo-Olu also praised recent reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system, including the Electoral Act and the increased use of technology in voter accreditation and result transmission.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure it is fully prepared for the 2027 elections and able to deploy effectively to every polling unit.
The governor cautioned political parties and candidates against actions that could undermine the electoral process, stressing that no political office or victory was worth the life of any Nigerian.
He added that voters would judge governments based on their performance, particularly in areas such as roads, healthcare and other essential services.
Sanwo-Olu further urged the media to scrutinise politicians and challenge misinformation, including claims made by members of his own party.
