Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu Rebuild Political Bridge Amid Rumors of Fallout

LAGOS — The long-swirling speculation of a political fallout between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appears to have been laid to rest, following recent developments and affirmations from top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Chief Muraina Taiwo, a prominent member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), confirmed on Sunday that “God has resolved” the perceived rift, declaring that the President had drawn Sanwo-Olu “closer like a father to a son.”

Taiwo made this known during a phone interview with The PUNCH, immediately after a closed-door meeting between the GAC and President Tinubu. “The father (Tinubu) has drawn his son (Sanwo-Olu) closer, and the son has also hugged his father; we are now one in Lagos State,” he said, emphasizing unity within the ruling party.

The statement comes amid intensified speculation and a series of public actions that hinted at a possible strain in the relationship between the President and the Lagos governor. Although Sanwo-Olu was present to receive the President during his recent Lagos visit, key events highlighted an unusual lack of interaction. Notably, during the May 31 inauguration of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway’s first 30km stretch, videos surfaced showing Tinubu allegedly snubbing Sanwo-Olu during a ceremonial exchange.

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Adding fuel to the fire, Sanwo-Olu was conspicuously absent from the commissioning of the 27km Lekki Deep Seaport road just days later, a federal project within Lagos. Even his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, who attended in his place, offered no formal representation or speech on behalf of the state. Compounding suspicions was Sanwo-Olu’s simultaneous trip to Akwa Ibom, where he was seen welcoming Governor Umo Eno into the APC.

Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu Rebuild Political Bridge Amid Rumors of Fallout

Responding to growing concerns, APC stalwart and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, confirmed that party elders had intervened in the matter. He acknowledged that there had been challenges but emphasized that reconciliation efforts were ongoing and effective. “You don’t expect that an elder like me will divulge what we are doing, but rest assured, we are not keeping quiet, and all will be well,” Osoba told The PUNCH.

The speculation surrounding the strained ties has also been amplified by religious voices. Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church previously warned of potential political consequences for Sanwo-Olu, claiming he foresaw the tension at the onset of the governor’s second term and urging swift reconciliation.

Fueling the rumors was a now-debunked narrative that Sanwo-Olu had supported the 2023 presidential campaign of opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar. A source close to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa alleged that Tinubu grew suspicious after intelligence linked alleged campaign funds to Sanwo-Olu through an associate, Aisha Achimugu. The Presidency and Atiku’s camp swiftly denied any such connection, with Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, labeling the claim as “a baseless smear campaign.”

Further tension reportedly stemmed from a leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa, who had been temporarily removed as Speaker, was reinstated following APC intervention—an episode insiders believe reflected deeper divisions within the state’s political structure. The perceived conflict was intensified when images surfaced online of Obasa paying homage to President Tinubu, a move interpreted by some as distancing Sanwo-Olu.

Adding to the narrative was an incident in late 2024 when media reports alleged that Sanwo-Olu had sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a purported plan to arrest him post-tenure. The Lagos State government swiftly denied this, and the Federal High Court eventually struck out the case, further calming speculations of any legal battle.

In a statement clarifying the situation, Lagos Attorney General Lawal Pedro (SAN) asserted that the case had been misrepresented and disassociated Sanwo-Olu from any litigation targeting federal authorities.

Putting the matter to rest, Sanwo-Olu addressed journalists after the recent GAC meeting with President Tinubu. He denied any rift and dismissed the media frenzy as “outsiders crying more than the bereaved.” According to him, the meeting was a traditional homage during festive periods, during which prayers were offered and unity within the party was reaffirmed.

“It’s our usual. The festive period is a time for Mr President to meet with his brothers, leaders of our party… It’s something that they always look forward to,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu further praised President Tinubu for his commitment to Lagos State’s development and highlighted key joint achievements, including the completion of the Blue Line rail project and recent federal measures to curb fuel and food inflation.

Analysts say the public display of solidarity—underscored by a widely circulated photo featuring Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, Obasa, and other GAC members—may mark a turning point in Lagos APC politics. As 2026 approaches, speculation about succession and realignment within the party remains, but for now, unity appears to have prevailed.

The episode underscores the delicate balance of loyalty and power within Nigeria’s ruling party, especially in its power base, Lagos. As the dust settles, the focus may return to governance and the continued collaboration between state and federal structures to address Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges.