Tinubu shuns meeting as Ambode’s fate hangs in the balance

Bola Tinubu and Akinwunmi Ambode

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, was absent at a meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision making body of the party, in Lagos State on Saturday.

Tinubu chose instead to be in Osun for the governorship election in the state instead of the meeting held at his Ikoyi residence.

The absence of the former Lagos governor left the fate of incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the balance as it was resolved the state APC chapter must hold a primary to determine its candidate for the 2019 governorship election.

The decision by the 22-member GAC to hold a governorship primary might have end hopes the party would clear the coast for Ambode by asking his challengers to step down from the race.

Former Commissioner for Training and Establishment, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Obafemi Hamzat, are also in the race.

Sanwo-Olu has the backing of the Mandate Movement led by Tinubu.

Chairmen of the 57 councils in the state have also declared support for the former commissioner.

Chairman of Lagos APC, Tunde Balogun, told NAN that although he was present at the meeting, he was not authorised to speak on the outcome.

“Yes, the GAC met today and made some decisions, but I will not speak on the outcome because I have not been asked to do so.

“Chief Abayomi Finnih would address the press on Monday on the outcome. He has been appointed and he will give you all the details,” he said.

Other chieftains who attended the meeting were Senator Anthony Adefuye, Tajudeen Olusi and former speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji.