By Uche Mbah
Lagos, hitherto the political empire of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, appears to be at a political crossroads since an incumbent was denied a second term by the widely acclaimed political godfather.
Recall that the incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, was unceremoniously sacked by Tinubu on the grounds that though he is acclaimed to be performing, he is not a faithful party man. He has since been replaced by Babatunde Sanwolu, who is currently the APC governorship candidate in Lagos. But that singular act has put the Lagos political terrain into turbulence. The efforts to manage the fall out of such an unprecedented decision has since been threatening to tear the party apart.
Sources within the state hierarchy indicate that the politics of imposition is taking its toll on the party. It was said that in the APC caucus meetings, Tinubu will promise free and fair elections and still end up imposing candidates of his choice everywhere. This has resulted in grumblings within the party, and threats of defection. Besides, the fear that Ambode is still smarting from the disgrace meted on him is a source of worry. It was said that it took serious persuasion before Ambode was able to publicly endorse his successor. Even at that, he is not forthcoming in making the state structure available for campaign. The state house of Assembly is still mulling impeachments to remove him and use his deputy to open up the state treasury for campaigns. But it appears that the conclusion is to let him be for the mean time.
The entrance of Jimi Agbaje into the raceas thePDP flagbearer has also complicated issues. Agbaje was widely believed to have won the 2015 elections but was robbed by the Tinubu machinery. His wide acceptance within the Lagos metropolis has been worrying to the APC. Even the former governor, Babatunde Fashola, who is said to have thrown his political machinery into Accord Party, was said to be intent on destabilizing the Tinubu fiefdom. Recently, Accord Party threw its weight behind Agbaje, fueling speculations of impending collapse of the Tinubu Dynasty. And recently, most Ambode associates decamped to Accord party.
It is unlikely that Tinubu will relinquish Lagos without a fight. With all senators and house members behind him, he will use any means possible to maintain his position in Lagos. And Aregbesola, former Osun governor, will not fold his arms to watch Alimosho slip through his hands.
