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On Ambode and forces against him

As Lagos State prepares for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries tomorrow, I can't help but pity the incumbent Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. The feeling that your days in a particular position are numbered is a nostalgic one, especially if you have the intention of staying; despite the increasing forces against you.

Many of us may not know, understand or care about Ambode's "crime", but it has never been a crime to die fighting. Pathetically, Mr Ambode has been having a political spat with former governor of Lagos State and father of APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the latter's endorsement of Sanwo-Olu as his replacement in 2019, despite his willingness to continue in office beyond 2019.

However, there appears no end in sight to the reelection troubles being faced by Ambode, as 36 out of 40 Lagos State House of Assembly members, yesterday morning, publicly declared their support for Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for tomorrow's primary election in Lagos State. According to media accounts, Tinubu had told Ambode not to seek for a second tenure, citing deviations from some of his policies.

 However, Ambode had sworn to contest against any other favoured candidate of the APC leader, despite being deserted by supporters loyal to Tinubu. Nevertheless, in a parliamentary meeting chaired by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Saturday morning, endorsed Jide Sanwo-Olu for the governorship primaries tomorrow, in what may appear to be nail on the coffin of Ambode's second term ambition.

 A statement by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, stated that the lawmakers were in agreement with the leadership of the party and the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) which had earlier endorsed Sanwo-olu for the governorship ticket.

 I don't see Ambode escaping the conspiracy and political desertion, as Lagos State has never been known to dance to the tune of opposition parties, otherwise seeking another platform would have been an easy way out. He is just a victim of political godfatherism and should hope for the best, while preparing his handover notes.

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