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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Lagos State governor, Babjide Sanwo-Olu, has been reelected for a second term in office.
The governor polled 762,134 votes to defeat Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party, who scored 312,329 votes, and Olajide Adediran of the PDP who had 62,449 votes.
Sanwo-Olu was declared the winner at 1:15am on Monday morning.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the results at the its headquarters in Yaba.
Moments after INEC’s declaration, Sanwo-Olu, in his acceptance speech, said Lagosians had made their voices heard.
“To all of our fellow contestants, we want to salute you for participating in the democratic process, but Lagosians have spoken and have spoken well. They have spoken loud.
“Please remember that we’re extending a hand of fellowship to you, no victor, no vanquished. In the true spirit of sportsmanship, if you indeed believe that you want to serve this state, you have an opportunity with us and we will open our doors to listen and to give you a space in this government,” he said.
He also spoke out against the identity politics that became commonplace in the build up to last Saturday’s election.
“During this campaign, unfortunately, we have seen very divisive rhetoric which is not a definition of who we are.
“So, Lagosians, we need to come together and further rebuild the capacity, the competence, and the experience that we have in this city. Religion should not divide us, ethnicity will not divide us. Lagos will come out bigger, stronger, and better,” he said.