By David Olalekan.
Following speculations that Akinwunmi Ambode, the former Lagos State governor is strongly considered by President Muhammadu Buhari for a ministerial position, some influential members of the All Progressives Congress loyal to the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu are reportedly on the verge of sabotaging Ambode’s emergence.
Aggrieved members in the Mandate Group believe the immediate past governor should be “taught a lesson” because of how he allegedly offended and frustrated many party members in the state during his time as governor.
In a bid to scuttle Ambode’s chances for a cabinet slot, the aggrieved party chieftains are fine-tuning petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over Ambode’s alleged financial misappropriation and corruption.
Some anonymous sources within the Lagos APC disclosed that Ambode was not loyal to the party, so any plan to reward him would be strongly declined.
One of the sources said, “Ambode tried to destroy the party in his first term. Apart from not being accessible, he revoked contracts belonging to party members and brought in his own companies. He tried to destroy our chances by trying to undermine Sanwo-Olu at every turn.
“He did not campaign for us. Rather, he was following Buhari all over the place. He should not expect to represent Lagos in any capacity. We will not allow him have any appointment.”
Preparing another pitfall for the former governor, another source alleged that Ambode could not represent Lagos as minister because of his roots from Ondo State.
“Ambode is from Ondo State and he cannot deny it. Yes, he was governor in Lagos State but the constitution allows that. However, the constitution states clearly that only an indigene of a state can represent that state as far as ministerial appointments are concerned.
“We will ensure that the three senators from Lagos State block his nomination in the event that he is nominated by the President. There must be party discipline”, the source emphasized, while adding that a probe of Ambode’s administration would soon commence where the cases of alleged fraud and abuse of office would be exposed.