Contrary to popular view that former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State failed to get his second term ticket because of his godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s choice for Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Director of Media and Communications of Tinubu’s Campaign Council, Dele Alake has this to say.
Alake said; “Ambode lost his second term because the incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu defeated him during the 2018 APC primaries.”
“It was a misconception that Tinubu refused Ambode a second term. The people of Lagos State voted against Ambode during the primaries and not Tinubu.”
“In a political competition, there must be supporters here and there. Yes, Fashola’s successor Ambode came into office; Asiwaju supported him as he supported Fashola.”
“But let me use this opportunity to clear one point, a misconception that Ambode wasn’t given a second term. It is not true.”
“The governorship mandate is not for Asiwaju to give or take. It is for Lagos State’s people to give, take, or withdraw. Ambode was in office for whatever reason he might have committed; of course, he did commit gaps and faux pas, but he also went through an election.”
“Asiwaju did not take the ticket from him. He contested the primaries with Babajide Sanwo-Olu and lost. The primary was conducted in the open all over the state and the media covered it and it was shown everywhere. Why do people always succumb to such partisanship occasioned by blind prejudices.”
For those who don’t know, Ambode lost his godfather, Tinubu’s support after a fallout with him.
