He stated that Accord would have supported Labour Party's gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, but for the alleged unsavoury statements of some state Labour Party members. Accord has pledged to mobilise all its party members and executives across Lagos State to re-elect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term.
Mr Oladeji explained that the party decided to adopt Mr Sanwo-Olu's candidacy due to his responsiveness, sensitivity, and immediate actions to duties. Accord's structures and canvassers would work for the APC, he added. However, he clarified that Accord had supported the presidential candidate of LP, Peter Obi, in the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.
Accord was not supporting LP in the gubernatorial election because LP failed to respond to Accord's overture, he said.
Peter Obayuwana, a factional governorship candidate of Accord, said he was stepping down to work for Mr Sanwo-Olu in the interest of the party and Lagos State. "We want this state to move forward.
That is why we are stepping down our ambition," Mr Obayuwana said. Accord's candidate for Lagos Central Senatorial District, Samuel Adigun, said it was commonsensical to allow Mr Sanwo-Olu to consolidate what he has done in infrastructure development and youth empowerment.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his appreciation for Accord's support, noting that the party's adoption had provided a more significant opportunity for APC's victory in Lagos. He said the adoption showed that Accord had prioritised the interests of Lagosians above other considerations.
He added that his administration's efforts towards infrastructure, security, and youth empowerment would be intensified in his second term, and his administration would work to consolidate the gains made in his first term.
The APC Chairman in Lagos State, Tunde Balogun, said the Accord's adoption of Sanwo-Olu showed that the governor had a broad appeal and that other parties believed in his vision. He urged Lagosians to come out en masse and vote for the APC on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party (LP) has expressed surprise at Accord's decision to adopt the APC candidate, alleging that the Accord had initially approached the LP for a coalition. The Chairman of LP in Lagos, Biodun Popoola, said the party's candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, was committed to developing Lagos and would do more for the state if elected.