The Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday congratulated the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, Babajide Sanwo-Olu over his victory at the polls.

Speaking publicly  for the first time since he lost the governorship primary election of the APC, Governor Ambode thanked Lagosians and party members, promising to support Sanwo-Olu to move the state forward.

Backed by influential party leaders in the state, including a national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, a former commissioner in the state beat the incumbent governor to the 2019 Lagos State governorship ticket.

Sanwo-Olu polled 970,851 votes in the controversial election held on Tuesday to defeat the governor who got 72,901 votes.

Below is  Ambode’s full speech which was delivered at a live press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

 

“Fellow Lagosians, the last few days have witnessed intense political activities that have gripped the attention of the nation and created palpable tension in the polity.

I believe that the time has now come for the State to move forward in order that the gains of the last three and half years are not lost.

Dear Lagosians, the APC is a great party and the interest of our beloved State must always supercede that of any person or group.

It is in this regard that I wholeheartedly congratulate the winner of the Lagos State APC Primaries, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and urge all Lagosians to immediately support our party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 elections and work for the success of our dear party.

As Governor, I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition in the remaining period of this administration and ultimately to the new Governor, come May 2019.

I thereby appeal to all our party members that we remain one family and unite behind the candidate of the party so that we can continue to move this State forward.

The progress of Lagos State is non-negotiable. It is a project I have passionately worked for in the last three and half years as a Governor and one which I will forever be devoted.

I wish to use this opportunity to thank our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of our great party at state and national levels, all party faithful and Lagosians.

I thank all Lagosians for their faith and trust in me. I urge you not to relent in your support for our party as we prepare for the General Elections.

Long live Nigeria.

Long live Lagos State.

Long live APC.”