“You Have No Ideas” – Sanwo-Olu Challenges Opposition Parties

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has challenged opposition political parties to present credible policy ideas capable of competing with the development agenda of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than simply seeking political change for its own sake.

Sanwo-Olu made the remarks on Tuesday while delivering the Centenary Anniversary Lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club at its Greetings Hall in Onikan, Lagos. The lecture was titled “Democracy, Governance, and the Lagos Spirit: A Century of Excellence.”

The event was attended by First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat, political and traditional leaders, public office holders, members of the Yoruba Tennis Club and other dignitaries.

Speaking on Lagos’ political and developmental trajectory, Sanwo-Olu argued that the state had benefited from continuity, with successive administrations building on existing policies and projects.

He said:

“We must keep insisting that it cannot be changed merely for the sake of change. We must never think we need to tear things up just to prove that we are in control.”

The governor, who also serves as the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said his party would campaign on what it described as its record of transformation in Lagos.

He therefore challenged opposition parties to offer concrete alternatives rather than simply calling for a change of government.

“Our challenge to the opposition remains the same — to put forward credible ideas that are able to compete with ours, instead of seeking change for the sake of change.”

Sanwo-Olu also extended his argument to the national level, where he highlighted reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing areas such as foreign exchange, education, agriculture and security as areas where he said the administration had recorded gains. These are the governor's characterisations of the reforms, rather than an independent assessment of their effects.

The governor further highlighted projects and initiatives undertaken by his administration under the THEMES+ agenda, covering transportation, healthcare, education, technology, the economy, tourism, security and governance. He cited projects including public universities, the Imota Rice Mill, rail infrastructure, digital infrastructure and the Lagos Central Food Security System and Logistics Hub.

Sanwo-Olu's remarks come as political parties begin intensifying preparations for the 2027 elections, with the APC defending its record in Lagos and at the federal level.

He also used the centenary event to emphasise the importance of long-term governance, saying political leaders should look beyond four-year election cycles and support projects whose benefits may extend to future generations.