Barely last minute change, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode may endorse former Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as his successor on Sunday.
Sanwo-Olu is billed to declare his intention to run for the governorship seat of Lagos for 2019 tomorrow at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
Ambode, who had been in Abuja since Friday where he met with top echelons of the All Progressives Congress, APC, arrived on Saturday with no cheering news.
Government sources said the governor met with APC leaders in Abuja in a bid to resolve the crisis, but that he was told to support the aspiration of Sanwo-Olu and that he would be given an appointment at the federal level.
It was gathered that President Muhammadu Buhari told Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to take charge of the closed door meeting, which was also attended by APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and other top leaders of the party.
A top source told our reporter that it was agreed at the meeting that Ambode should go and support the aspiration of Sanwo-Olu as he was promised a juicy appointment in Abuja next year if Buhari wins second term.
Part of the reasons why he was asked to step down, a government source said, was that he ran the affair of Lagos State as a one-man show, awarding contracts and others solely, as well as failing to carry party faithful along in the scheme of things, among others.
Another source said Ambode might come to the declaration of Sanwo-Olu for governor at the Police College on Sunday to raise up his hand as his successor.
With that, the governor may not contest the governorship primary of the party on 25 September, 2018.
Moves by prominent people to intervene to ensure that Ambode got a second term ticket on the platform of APC had proved abortive.
One of such intervention was said to be founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeobye.
Tinubu was said to have told him that, “Sir, people have been accusing me of imposition. They say I imposed candidates at will. That is why I said all aspirants including the governor to get to the field and test their popularity among the people in an open contest of direct primaries.
“Sir, my hands are tied on this matter, I cannot ask those who have picked expression of interest and nomination forms to withdraw or not to contest. That will be greatly unfair. We will ensure a level-playing ground for all governorship aspirants including the incumbent governor, Tinubu told Adeboye on the phone.”
But Ambode had also recently denied rift between him and Tinubu, saying reports to such effect were untrue.
Addressing party faithful in Epe during the election of delegates for the Presidential primary election and national convention of the party, Ambode said the reports indicating a fight between him and Tinubu were out of place and that there was no fight anywhere.
“I want you to know that there is no fight anywhere. The National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my good self we are not in any fight, we are not in any controversy.
“We are praying to God that the best is yet to come and the best will be what Lagos State deserves and I want you to just continue with your prayers that at this time, God will show His hand and make sure that everything that is of blessing to Lagos State and also blessing of Epe will come to pass,” Ambode said.
