President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visible disregard for Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the commissioning of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has stirred fresh political debate and raised questions about internal tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The commissioning event, which took place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, marked the official launch of the first 30-kilometre section of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway—an ambitious infrastructure project expected to transform connectivity and economic activity along Nigeria’s southern coastline.
However, it wasn’t just the road that drew attention. As President Tinubu arrived at the venue, he greeted Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and several other dignitaries. But in a moment captured on video and widely shared on social media, he appeared to overlook Governor Sanwo-Olu, who bowed respectfully as the president walked past without acknowledgment.
The Lagos governor, who attended the event, has yet to issue any public response. However, his absence from official photographs and the lack of recognition from the president did not go unnoticed. The incident has sparked speculation over possible tensions between the federal and Lagos State governments—both led by members of the APC.
Observers believe this apparent snub may signal a rift within the party’s leadership, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to take shape. Some political analysts argue that the gesture, whether intentional or not, could reflect deeper issues within the party hierarchy or disagreements over the handling of key national projects.
Despite the political undertones, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project remains a major step in the government’s infrastructure agenda. Designed to boost transportation, trade, and tourism across coastal states, the project is expected to generate thousands of jobs and increase access to underserved regions.
Yet, the project has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about transparency in the procurement process, as well as the environmental and social impact of the construction. The federal government has defended the project, stating that it will be built using durable materials and that compensation has been paid to affected communities.
Lagos State had previously thrown its support behind the highway project, with officials highlighting its potential to drive economic growth and regional integration. However, Saturday’s incident has cast doubts over the strength of federal-state cooperation moving forward.
With political observers closely watching the Tinubu-Sanwo-Olu relationship, there are growing calls for clarity and unity within the APC. How both leaders manage this moment could shape the party’s public image and internal cohesion ahead of future elections.
For now, Nigerians are left to read between the lines, as the video of the president’s interaction—or lack thereof—with Governor Sanwo-Olu continues to trend and generate conversation both within political circles and among the public.
