By ‘Dotun Akintomide
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode may not have an easy ride in getting the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, following a resistance in the former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos, Femi Hamzat who on Monday picked up his nomination form at the headquarters of the APC to vie for the party’s ticket and contest in the 2019 Lagos gubernatorial elections.
Hamzat got his nomination form on the same day Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode declared his intention to seek re-election in 2019 on the same APC platform.
It was gathered that the former Commissioner, Hamzat is a confidant of the National Leader of All Progressive Congress, Bola Tinubu
In recent weeks, there have been speculations that certain forces who are not happy with Governor Ambode for sidelining them in the scheme of things have been mounting pressure on Tinubu to drop his support for him and allow a free contest during the party’s primary election.
Tinubu has never issued a statement either to wish away the speculations or publicly endorse Ambode’s second term bid.
Meanwhile, 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.
Speaking at the APC secretariat, Ambode who reeled out some of 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.