AMBODE: SUSPENSION OF MY SECOND TERM BID, A BIG LIE

LAGOS, Nigeria – A top aide to governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state, on Wednesday described the alleged suspension of the governor’s second term ambition as a hoax. The aide, who pleaded anonymity for obvious reasons, debunked the news making the rounds that Ambode had shelved his ambition of a second term return to office.

According to reports being circulated, the governor has decided after due considerations and consultations, to suspend campaign for second term as the executive governor of Lagos state. In the same report, the governor was quoted to have said, “I hereby endorse Jide Sanwolu to represent our party for the office of the Executive Governor of Lagos state.” However, the source who debunked the report, said it was a hoax, untrue and a totally false and fabricated report.

“The governor is still very much interested to continue his good works in the state. He means well for the state and he believes there is still a lot to be achieved. This, he hopes to consolidate upon if he is re-elected,” the source said.

The top government functionary said Ambode still remained the most credible candidate for the state’s number one seat, who cannot be compared to any other candidate hoping to vie for his office.

It will be recalled that the state’s political scene has been embroiled in controversy, which has heated up the polity as the incumbent governor appears to have fallen out of favour with the National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, and chieftains of the party.

Events emanating from the seeming unhealthy relationship has resulted in some sort of media war and division among groups and supporters of Ambode and the party leader.

Making the scenario more interesting, is the declaration to run for office of governor on the stable of APC by Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, the General Manager, Lagos State Development Property Corporation (LSDPC), and a former Commissioner for Works in the state, Mr Femi Hamzat.

Also, the declaration by former gubernatorial candidate, Jimi Agbaje, to run for the same office on the stable of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the state come the 2019 election, has added yet another twist to the emerging scenario. With APC’s primaries coming up in earnest, it makes the situation even more dicey for the incumbent governor.