Akinwumi Ambode, the ex-Lagos Governor, has quietly reentered the political scene, stirring up curiosity and interest. Since his exit in 2019, he has laid low, keeping his reputation intact.
During his time as Governor, the soft-spoken political technocrat never got tangled in unnecessary political drama. He simply focused on governance, smoothly stepping into the big shoe left by his hugely successful predecessor, Babatunde Raji Fashola.
Even beyond the corridors of power, Ambode upheld the same dignified demeanor. This prompted whispers and skepticism about his allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the accomplished accountant wasn’t one to engage in the game of dispelling rumours, leaving speculators to ponder on his political affiliation.
When he was ready to respond to the myriads of rumours surrounding his political trajectory, he simply cleared everyone’s doubts without saying anything.
Making his comeback to public engagement during the reception party organized in honour of President Bola Tinubu last June, his presence infused an additional layer of positivity into the atmosphere.
He may have walked away from politics in 2018, but his political capital appears to have increased significantly, as even the President couldn’t contain his joy at the sight of the former number-one citizen of the center of excellence.
Acknowledging Ambode, the Commander in Chief belatedly remarked, “I am glad to see Ambode. Thank you, Akin. Very good.” The words were met with a round of applause from everyone present.
Before the President’s acknowledgments, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had personally introduced Ambode to all state governors and other prominent politicians in attendance.
As the event unfolded, some political analysts declared that the battle between Tinubu and his beloved Godson was finally laid to rest, asserting that Ambode had returned to the Bourdilon’s fold.
Yet, the question remains: Was there ever truly any love lost?
The Jagaban of Borgu, as he’s fondly called, had long ago stated that he had nothing personal against Ambode.
“If the party that made me the leader of the structure in Lagos State says what they want, it’s only if you have followers that you are a leader in democracy. If I look back and I don’t find them again, if I don’t respond to their request, I would have failed the leadership test.
“This is not personal. It is beyond me as a person. I have to submit myself to the wishes and the yearnings of our party members. Akin Ambode is doing well, but you have to be a good party man. It’s not about brick and mortar,” he said after the 2018 Primary Election.
From the foregoing, it is evident that the circumstances preceding Ambode’s departure in 2019 were solely political. It had nothing to do with non-performance or any related issues. He fulfilled his responsibilities within the given time.
Listing the impactful projects undertaken by his government presents quite a challenge. Where does one even start? Is it the constructed roads, revitalized schools, equipped hospitals, enhanced security, opened-up suburbs, modern streetlights, or bus terminals?
Yet, Ambode doesn’t blow his trumpet; his work speaks for themselves. In just four years, he touched the lives of millions of Lagosians so profoundly that it feels like he held office for much longer. It’s like he packed a lifetime of impact into a brief tenure.
Despite the temptation to leave the party and consider offers from other groups for the governorship ticket, Ambode faced it all with calmness and openness.
He went to the extent of actively campaigning and garnering support for his opponent in the primary and his eventual successor as Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. That is a genuine testament to his humility and unwavering integrity.
Since he broke the jinx of political hiatus last June, Ambode has been seen attending events and interacting with the political heavyweights in Lagos State. He has also been hosted by President Tinubu at the presidential villa.
Last Monday, he attended the Lagos State Government’s New Year Thanksgiving Service. He joined Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, at the event, which was held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos.
Earlier in June, Governor Sanwo-Olu was in attendance as Ambode hosted a private ceremony at his residence to celebrate his 60th Birthday.
Politics is a serious business for politicians in Nigeria and all over the world. Hence, political events hardly occur as mere coincidence.
With Ambode back in the picture and constantly seen in the circle of power brokers in Lagos and Nigeria at large, there’s a sense of anticipation and a feeling that something interesting is brewing.
Ambassadorial appointment? Return to office as Lagos State Governor in 2027? Or the combination of both? We await as events unfold. Whichever way it goes, one thing is certain: Lagosians will be on hand to pay him back for his remarkable achievements in office.
Also, if the zoning arrangement plays out in their favour, the residents of Epe and the broader Lagos East Senatorial District will enthusiastically rally behind their shining light for his second term.
The sustained continuity in government has propelled Lagos to grow in leaps and bounds as successive administrations build on the development efforts of their predecessors. The prospect of Governor Ambode’s second term, therefore, holds the promise of further gains for the economic heartbeat of Nigeria.
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