Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu and former Governor Ambode recently held talks to discuss the “Future of Lagos.” Their conversation focused on key initiatives and strategies aimed at driving the city’s growth and development.
The bond of kinship within the political party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in Lagos State appears to be strengthening as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his immediate predecessor Akinwunmi Ambode are presenting a revitalizing image.
The two men smiled widely, their teeth shining brilliantly like scarce hen’s teeth, following a successful meeting on Monday.
An ecstatic Sanwo-Olu shared pictures on social media with the caption, “I was pleased to receive my brother and predecessor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a cordial visit at Lagos House.”
Our discussion revolved around Lagos’ future and amplifying the sturdy groundwork that has been laid. I hold his viewpoint in high regard as we collaborate to ensure Lagos stays on its trajectory of advancement and progress.
A year had passed since Sanwo-Olu and Ambode last met publicly at a reception held in honor of President Bola Tinubu, which took place at the Lagos House located in the Marina area of Lagos State back in June 2023. Their most recent meeting occurred on Monday.
For the first time in over four years, Sanwo-Olu, Ambode and former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola came together after internal conflicts shook the ruling political class of the state.
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Ambode stands out as the sole governor of Nigeria’s state to have served only one term following the country’s transition back to democracy in 1999. Prior to Ambode, Tinubu held office from 1999 until 2007 and subsequently passed on his responsibilities to Fashola who was at the helm between 2007 and2015 before taking up a ministerial position with oversight over Works and Housing between the years spanning from 2015 through till2023.
In 2015, Ambode assumed office as governor but was defeated in the APC primary during the 2019 election due to internal disagreement within the party. It was rumored that Tinubu, an influential figure in Lagos politics, backed Sanwo-Olu for his second term over Ambode.
After concluding his single term in 2019, Ambode has been absent from political and social gatherings that involved Tinubu and Fashola – who were his predecessors. Additionally, there have been no sightings or reports of him attending any events with the current governor either.
Despite being appointed as the deputy chairman of the South-West sub-committee of the Contact and Strategy Committee for APC in May 2021, few pictures have been taken showing the former governor at national level events with reticent demeanor.
Reports had suggested that Ambode would vie against Sanwo-Olu for the party’s governorship ticket during the primary in May 2022. However, it was actually his ally Wale Oluwo who joined the race and ultimately lost to Sanwo-Olu.
Ambode didn’t publicly declare his support for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential ambition in contrast to Fashola and Sanwo-Olu. Also, Ambode stayed silent on the outcome of Tinubu’s polls. Nonetheless, there were indications that a reconciliation was underway when Sanwo-Olu made an appearance at Ambode’s Lagos-based birthday bash on June 14th, 2023.
