JUST IN: Trouble for Ambode as council chairmen declare support for Tinubu’s ‘anointed’ candidate

Indications emerged on Tuesday that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s second term bid may face a serious hurdle as two prominent Lagosians picked up the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination forms on Monday to contest the party’s governorship ticket.

The two candidates; former commissioner for works and infrastructure, Obafemi Hamzat and current Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC), Jide Sanyaolu were allegedly sponsored by the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other opponents of the incumbent governor.

A close source in the APC caucus informed Newsclickng anonymously that already, a good number of serving local council chairmen loyal to Tinubu met and pledged support for Sanwoolu, who is believed to be Tinubu’s anointed candidate.

Recall that the council chairmen are the most influential grassroots mobilisers under the direct primary system adopted by APC to pick governorship candidates.

Also, majority of the members of the Lagos House of Assembly are loyal to Tinubu.

Meanwhile, not intimidated by the imminent battle signs – especially as regards the reluctance of Tinubu to publicly endorse his candidacy,  Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode grabbed his APC nomination form in the bid to retain his present office come 2019, should he scale through the APC direct primary.

Blowing his own trumpet at the APC secretariat, Ambode who prides himself in some his achievements in office sought to continue with the mandate to steer the affairs of the state.

His words: “I ask you to believe again, and together, let’s achieve more.

“Exactly four years ago, I called on you to join me in a journey of selfless service to build a secure and prosperous Lagos State driven by a vibrant economy and supported by quality service, equity and justice.

“You believed in me and gave me your support,” Ambode said.

He thanked Lagosians for believing in him and his government as well as their support so far throughout this administration.

“I thank all members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress; our political leaders, most especially our National Leader, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for giving me the platform to contribute to the further growth and development of our state.”