Lagos 2019: 5 reasons why Ambode may still get second term bid, despite Tinubu’s stance

Lagos 2019: 5 reasons why Ambode may still get second term bid, despite Tinubu’s stance

It is no longer a rumour that Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s second term bid is shaking as he has inexplicably fallen out of favour with his political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu is allegedly backing another aspirant.

All efforts to get the APC national leader from party stakeholders seem to be fruitless at the moment. But slim as the chances may be, Legit.ng in this piece highlights five main reasons why Governor Ambode my get the second term bid, despite Tinubu’s stance.

1. APC governors’ support

There are indications that Governor Ambode enjoys some popularity among his counterparts, particularly from other southwest states. Thus, if the governors can mount a strong force to support to pacify Tinubu, the embattled governor may end up getting the second term mandate.

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2. Support from the presidency

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Perhaps due to the strategic importance of Lagos for the 2019 presidential election, the presidency does not want anything that can disrupt the APC dominance in Lagos state. Thus, President Muhammadu Buhari has weighed in on the issue by asking the vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and other party stakeholders to beg Tinubu. President Buhari has also personally met with Governor Ambode. The outcomes of these meetings which have not been fully disclosed may favour Ambode’s second term ambition.

3. Series of projects under construction

Though Governor Ambode’s administration started on a shaky path, he was able to listen to the voices of Lagosians on time and adjust accordingly. Three years down the line, the Ambode-led government has turned Lagos state to a construction site where series of projects are going on simultaneously. Perhaps, this can for the embattled governor to get the second term bid.

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4. Anti-Tinubu sympathy/sentiment

It is believed that there are some party stakeholders and electorate who believe that Asiwaju Tinubu is over-stretching his importance. If this group of people can garner enough influence, they can ensure Ambode get the second term ticket just to clip the wings of Jagaban’s far-reaching influence.

5. Alliance with the opposition party, PDP

This seems to be a very difficult option but it is not impossible. Before it was finally made known there Tinubu is not supporting Ambode for the second term, there had been rumours that the Lagos state governor was planning to join the PDP. So, if the ruling party fails to give Ambode the second term ticket, he can form an alliance with the opposition party and contest on its platform. Then, it will be left to the generality of Lagosians to decide who will be the next governor at the polls.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Nurudeen Lawal avatar

Nurudeen Lawal (Head of Politics and Current Affairs Desk) Nurudeen Lawal is an AFP-certified journalist with a wealth of experience spanning over 8 years. He received his B/Arts degree in Literature-in-English from OAU. Lawal is the Head of the Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng, where he applies his expertise to provide incisive coverage of events. He was named the Political Desk Head of the Year (Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award 2023). He is also a certified fact-checker (Dubawa fellowship, 2020). Contact him at lawal.nurudeen@corp.legit.ng or +2347057737768.