JIDE SANWONOLU:Â Uncertainty envelopes Lagos State politics as three Asiwaju Bola Tinubu loyalists pick governorship nomination forms in the state.
The three aspirants are the incumbent governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Jide Sanwonolu, and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
The three of them are known godsons of the party’s national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu.
It has been variously speculated that Tinubu has unresolved issues with Ambode.
JIDE SANWONOLU:Â Ahead of 2109, the fate of Govenor Ambode hangs in the balance
The initial information was that Ambode went to Abuja to obtain his nomination form for 2019 election. This was after getting signals from Tinubu that the coast was clear for him to make his move.
But by last night, sources said, the tide had changed in an intricate political maneuver that threatens to leave the incumbent governor high and dry.
The entrance of Sanwonolu and Hamzat into the race is already gathering storms to hit the Lagos political firmament.
With this new development, Tinubu might find himself in a complicated dilemma.
According to a source, the governor’s main opponent is being backed by the Mandate Group, his godfather’s associates.
It was gathered that they felt slighted by Ambode’s policies that had gravely injured their economic lifelines.
In fact, one Ayilara, believed to be an inner caucus member of the Tinubu political machine, was said to have purchased the forms for Sanwonolu, using one of his office staff to pick the forms on his behalf.
It was gathered that members of the group mobilised all the party’s local government chairmen last night to Watercress Hotel, Ikeja.Â
The hotel was owned by a former chief security officer to Tinubu, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.
Sanwonolu’s nomination forms, which its submission closes tomorrow was filled by the same leading members of the group.
The three-corner fight, said an insider of the Tinubu political machine, promises to be testy and could leave the political family worse off.
Sanwonolu, an ally of Tinubu’s former deputy, Mr. Femi Pedro, is believed to be favoured by the national leader.
He came into public prominence as the political adviser to Pedro. He graduated to commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions under Mr. Babatunde Fashola, serving only one term.
He is currently the Managing Director, Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC).
Hamzat is not new to the turf. He had played there before against the formidable, including Ambode.
In the fight for the APC ticket for the 2015 contest, he came second, despite been dumped mid coast by the then incumbent, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.
Hamzat is not likely to be a push over. He has delivered two gubernatorial elections to the party in the South-west, Ondo and Ekiti States.
Lagos may well be their final push after Osun State governorship election that holds next week.
Given that Hamzat belongs to the Abuja caucus that is known to be bent on clipping the wings of Tinubu, can the national leader cut his nose to spite his eyes?
“That is the intrigue we are seeing playing out. We can only wait to see the end of it,†said one insider that craved anonymity.
A close associate of Tinubu said that he might have no choice but to support Ambode because “he is a lesser evil.â€
What is more, said the associate, Hamzat comes from an established political family with strong roots in Lagos grassroots politics.
His father, Oba Olatunde Hamzat, is a strong political leader with wide contacts with grassroots leaders across the state.
“He is now the monarch of Afowowa, a town in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State. That is the main reason Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, opposed Hamzat’s aspiration in 2014.
But the monarch still oils his political machinery in the state,†he said.
“Tinubu has no choice than to support Ambode for several reasons I would not disclose now,†the associate stated.
He returned to Lagos, met with his cabinet, party officials during which he formally declared his intention for a second term of office.
www.sojworld.com © September 11, 2018
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