The political landscape in Lagos State witnessed a significant moment on Monday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode, met for a rare and cordial interaction at the Lagos House.
The meeting, which has been described as refreshing and symbolic, marks a strengthening of ties within the All Progressives Congress (APC) family in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu took to social media to express his delight at hosting Ambode, sharing photos of the two leaders smiling warmly.
He wrote, “Today, I welcomed my brother and predecessor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, back to Lagos House on a courtesy visit. Our conversation centred around the future of Lagos and building on the solid foundation already in place. I value his perspective as we all work together to ensure that Lagos remains on the path of growth and development.”
This meeting is particularly noteworthy as it comes over a year after Sanwo-Olu and Ambode were last seen publicly together during a reception for President Bola Tinubu at the Lagos House in June 2023. It was also the first time in over four years that Sanwo-Olu, Ambode, and former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola were seen together, following a period of internal political tensions within the ruling party.
Ambode, who served as Lagos State governor from 2015 to 2019, is the only governor in the state since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 to have served a single term. His tenure was cut short by intra-party disputes, which saw APC leader Bola Tinubu and the party’s leadership favor Sanwo-Olu as the candidate for the 2019 elections.
Since leaving office, Ambode has been notably absent from political and social functions involving his predecessors and the incumbent governor. However, hints of reconciliation emerged when Sanwo-Olu attended Ambode’s 60th birthday celebration in June 2023, signaling a thaw in their relationship.
Monday’s meeting between Sanwo-Olu and Ambode is seen as a positive step towards unity within the Lagos APC, as both leaders appear committed to working together for the continued development of the state.