Ambode forfeits governorship ambition, rallies APC behind Tinubu-backed Hamzat

FORMER Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has forfeited his own ambition of becoming the second-term governor of Lagos State as he could not garner enough support from President Bola Tinubu and the power brokers in Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

As a result, the former governor has decided to support the Tinubu-backed Obafemi Hamzat who will likely become the next governor of the state after Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Ambode congratulated Hamzat, Lagos State’s deputy governor, on Wednesday on his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 election.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ambode said the decision reflects unity within the party and the outcome of extensive internal consultations among its stakeholders.

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He described Hamzat’s selection as merited, pointing to his longstanding loyalty and dedication to the APC over the years.

Ambode commended Hamzat’s consistent engagement with party leaders and members, noting that it underscores his commitment to the party’s values of unity and progress. He added that the consensus candidacy recognises Hamzat’s decades of service, hard work, and dedication.

The former governor expressed optimism about Hamzat’s capacity to govern Lagos effectively, citing his experience and track record in public service.

Ambode also reiterated his support for President Tinubu’s re-election, linking the country’s economic trajectory to the continuity of his administration.

He said he remains firmly committed to backing Tinubu, expressing confidence that the president’s vision will drive growth and prosperity for both Lagos and Nigeria.

Ambode further stated that APC members in Lagos are prepared to mobilise support for the party in upcoming elections.

He added that the party aims to secure a landslide victory at both state and federal levels, including delivering at least 3 million votes for Tinubu, supporting strong results across the South-West, and ensuring the return of all APC-backed lawmakers to the National Assembly.

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Ambode in 2019

Ambode was Lagos governor from 2015 to 2019. His second term was blocked by Tinubu and the GAC who felt he did not carry them along for four years.

When Sanwo-Olu became the APC governorship candidate ahead of him, the former governor said his opponent had psychiatric issues and was not well.

Mr Sanwo-Olu was not a fit and proper candidate for the position of Lagos governor, Mr Ambode said.

“He has been arrested for spending fake US dollars in an American night club. He lacks competency and health wise, he has gone through mental rehabilitation,” Ambode claimed in 2018.

The governor disclosed that Sanwo-olu served time in US prisons in connection with a string of counterfeit bill-passing incidents in the country.