Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has challenged opposition parties to present credible policy alternatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than seeking a change of government simply for the sake of change.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Tuesday while delivering the centenary anniversary lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos, amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections.
His remarks followed criticism of the Lagos State Government by opposition figures, including Gbadebor Rhodes Vivor, the governorship candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Vivor had criticised the government over issues including waste management and the use of public resources.
We have a complete failure of waste management in Lagos State. Lagos State is the supposed centre of excellence, but right now, it is the centre of waste. All over the streets, on all the road medians, across Lagos- this is not even in a select part of Lagos; the city is stinky.… pic.twitter.com/rGT5R70bxR
— Channels Television (@channelstv) September 15, 2026
I finished high school in Paris; after that, I went to England, and then America before coming to Nigeria. At any point in time, I could have become a citizen of any of these countries. I should have had a plan B for my life aside from Nigeria, but I love Nigeria too much to have… pic.twitter.com/mT0O5P8rAp
— Channels Television (@channelstv) September 15, 2026
Sanwo-Olu said opposition parties should compete with the APC by offering ideas and policies capable of giving Lagos residents a clear alternative.
“Our challenge to the opposition remains the same – to put forward credible ideas that can compete with ours, instead of seeking change for the sake of change,” the governor said.
He argued that Lagos had benefited from continuity in governance, with successive administrations building on a development blueprint introduced following the return of democracy in 1999.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the continuity of that policy direction had enabled successive governments to develop major infrastructure projects, including the Blue and Red Line rail projects.
He said abandoning an existing development trajectory without presenting a credible alternative could disrupt ongoing programmes.
The governor also outlined what he described as key elements of the “Lagos Playbook”: vision, self-reliance, partnership and measuring governance by its impact on ordinary residents.
He said the effectiveness of government should ultimately be judged by its effect on people’s daily lives, including access to healthcare and education, transportation and the ability of traders to move their goods efficiently.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted projects and initiatives undertaken under his administration’s THEMES+ agenda, including investments in transportation, healthcare, education, technology, agriculture and food security. He cited the establishment of two public universities, the Imota Rice Mill, submarine cable and data-centre investments, as well as the development of a children’s hospital and a food logistics hub.
Reflecting on Lagos’ governance model, the governor urged political leaders to focus on long-term development rather than policies designed solely around electoral cycles.
His comments come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections and opposition groups continue to scrutinise the performance, policies and finances of the Lagos State Government.
