Former Governor of Lagos state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly still keen to get rid of Akinwunmi Ambode in 2019
There have long been reports of a feud between the two with Ambode denying this even though it was reported that even President Buhari has had to be called in to try and calm down tensions.
According to the Punch, however, Tinubu doesn’t seem to be backing down and is still adamant that Ambode will be replaced as Lagos State Governor in 2019.
Two alternative candidates came forward this week in the persons of Dr Obafemi Hamzat and Jide Sanwoolu.
The latter was endorsed by the Mandate caucus, led by the APC chieftain, and also from the chairmen of the 57 councils in the state
READ: Lagos PDP woos Gov Ambode
According to the Punch, the attempt by Oba Akiolu to patch things up between Tinubu and Ambode didn’t work out even though Tinubu traveled to Abuja for the meeting. It was reported that the attempt was influenced by the first lady Aisha Buhari who was in turn called up by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials which has Ambode’s wife as the current head.
A source for the Punch was quoted as saying of the mysterious meeting: “The issues are many – alleged sidelining of party elders, the scrapping of PSP waste management initiative, the sacking of highway managers, award of contracts to a few cronies, ignoring advice from party leaders – they are many, and Asiwaju did not see how all could be resolved without Ambode leaving.
“However, the presidency has put pressure on Asiwaju and although the man has yet to back down, there is hope because he has gone back to Lagos to consult with his followers in the mandate group. We hope that all will be well.”
It remains to be seen if Ambode has any cards left to play to sort things out with Tinubu.