A major political shift is underway in Lagos as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have officially reconciled after months of strained relations. The development is being widely celebrated as a significant breakthrough for the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The reconciliation, facilitated by senior APC figures, has been welcomed by party members and observers alike. Among those applauding the move is Bola Babarinde, a former chairman of the APC in South Africa. During a media briefing in Lagos, Babarinde described the renewed alliance as a “great relief” not only for the party but also for Lagosians who have been concerned about internal discord affecting governance.
Sources within the party revealed that lingering disagreements between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu had caused growing unease within the APC leadership. Their recent rapprochement is being viewed as a strategic step to unify the party and strengthen its political machinery in Lagos—Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and a critical battleground for any national election.
Party loyalists believe this renewed relationship signals a turning point in Lagos politics, reinforcing APC’s image as a cohesive and focused political entity. The timing is especially crucial, with opposition parties mobilizing ahead of the next election cycle. A unified front led by both Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu significantly boosts APC’s prospects in securing widespread support across the state.
Babarinde commended Tinubu for taking the high road, praising his statesmanship and willingness to prioritize the progress of Lagos over political disagreements. He also noted that Sanwo-Olu’s openness to reconciliation demonstrates his commitment to effective governance and the advancement of the state.
For many residents of Lagos, the reconciliation is more than a political move—it is a hopeful sign of better coordination and enhanced delivery of public services. With both leaders now aligned, expectations are high for accelerated infrastructure development, improved public welfare programs, and more efficient governance.
The APC’s ability to resolve internal rifts and rally behind a shared vision is expected to play a pivotal role as it gears up for the 2027 elections. This renewed alliance could also set the tone for broader party cohesion across other key states.
The Tinubu-Sanwo-Olu reconciliation is now seen as a defining moment for the APC, one that could shape the political trajectory of Lagos and influence national politics in the months and years ahead.