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Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has debunked rumours that it has concluded plans to replace Babajide Sanwo-Olu with Hakeem Muri-Okunola as the Lagos State Governor in 2023.
GAC in a statement over the weekend signed by its secretary, Alhaji Mutiu Are said it has not discussed the issue of a second term for Governor Sanwo-Olu neither does the group possess the powers to determine who the next Lagos State Governor will be.
GAC is the highest decision-making organ of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos, and Muri-Okunola is the incumbent Head of Service in Lagos State.
Following some reports that the body has chosen another person to become the next Lagos State Governor in 2023, the group has urged members of the public to deny such reports, stating that some unscrupulous politicians are the ones spreading such rumours.
It added that Governor Sanwo-Olu is performing creditably well and should be allowed to focus on governance as he still has some time left of his first tenure.
Below is the 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.
“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.
“It should also be pointed out that it is not within the realm of GAC to engage in picking replacements for a governor.
“Importantly, the Independent National Electoral Commission has not signaled the commencement of the process for governorship election in Lagos State.
“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.
“Finally, we urge those behind this dangerous, dysfunctional and misguided post to desist forthwith.”
