Hassan clarified this while speaking on the Arise Morning Show on Tuesday, stating that the people pushing the narratives of ethnicity and tribalism are enemies of the state who intend to use such postulations to incite tribes and ethnic groups against themselves.
He condemned the attacks against the Labour Party’s (LP) gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, because he is Igbo, describing such attacks as unfounded and not emanating from the camp of the All Progressive Congress (APC). He stated that Lagos requires a more experienced individual to govern based on the complexity of the state and opined that Rhodes-Vivour is a “new kid on the block” in the nation’s political space.
While Hassan acknowledged that he is an ardent supporter of democracy, he noted that in Nigeria, ethnic and religious undertones rather than competence are usually prioritised when choosing political candidates.
Hassan expressed confidence in his candidate and said that he believes Sanwo-Olu’s candidature is based on experience, a sense of humour, commitment to the development of the state, and a heart of service.
Hassan further stated that if the sitting governor is re-elected, it will avail him ample opportunity to consolidate on the good jobs he had started, some of which include projects like the Lekki deep seaport, blue rail, and a host of others.
Responding to why Sanwo-Olu had not publicly condemned statements and actions against people of other ethnicities, Hassan said that the governor was a man of the people and had always addressed them when necessary.
He urged Lagosians and political parties to promote any candidate of their choice based on democracy and cautioned that it should be done cautiously to avoid any form of crisis.
Hassan emphasised that Lagos remains a Yoruba state according to the statutory provisions of the constitution of Nigeria that recognise Lagos as part of the South West.