RE-ELECTION BID OF GOV. AMBODE HITS ROCK, AS TINUBU'S LOYALISTS ENDORSE JIDE SANWO-OLU. | Shakiru Seidu.

The re-election Bid of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode was yesterday hit rocks following the sudden expression of interest by the former Lagos State Commissioners of Works and Establishment and Training Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Mr. Jide Sanwo-olu respectively to contest governorship position under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

MegaXpression Magazine learnt that, as the mandate group controlled by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu which produces governor in Lagos State had gone ahead to endorse Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu to succeed the incumbent Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who had also obtained the nomination form.

It was gathered that prior to picking nomination and expression of interest forms, a caucus of the state assembly had met and warned the Governor against seeking re-election.

A source who was privy to the meeting told our correspondent that the caucus met and resolved that the governor must jettison the idea of a second term.

According to the source, “At the caucus meeting, the lawmakers who obviously have a preferred candidate resolved that they would commence impeachment proceedings should the governor insist on going ahead with his plans to seek second term”

In a bid  to show his political strength in the forthcoming poll, Ambode defied the lawmakers and went ahead to pick the form to contest for the office of governor again, in the 2019 polls.

It was gathered that the lawmakers acting on order from above to root for former commissioner of establishment and training, Mr Jide Sonwo-0lu who picked the nomination and being endorsed by different political groups within APC fold in the state, even as his Curriculum Vitae is being promoted in all circles.

Since Ambode has defied the lawmakers by picking form, it is not clear whether the lawmakers will go ahead with their threats to impeach the governor or not.

Sources said the lawmakers are billed to hold executive session on Wednesday preparatory to plenary on Thursday where the decision on whether to commence impeachment proceedings against Ambode or not will be taken.

According to a principal member and Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Rotimi Abiru , ‘’It is an unconfirmed report as far as I am concerned others have gone to collect nomination form to contest for governorship position in the state. The Speaker is not even in town. If they are having meeting I don’t know what they are doing in the State House.’’

As of the time of filling this report, the embattled state governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was still in a crucial meeting with some political stakeholders said to be in his camp.

A top government official who spoke told  on condition of anonymity said, ‘’ This is politics , it is normal our national leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has always told us that power is not served ala-carte you fight for it. There is bound to be disagreement here and there at times like this the governor consulted with Asiwaju before obtaining the form for second term.

‘’He got clearance from him before going ahead. Don’t forget the fifth columnists are at work too. It will be resolved. The governor will not withdraw his nomination form. it will be resolved. If there is anything the state government will issue official statement. ’’

SHAKIRU SEIDU

Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine.