Billionaire oil magnate Femi Otedola, has reportedly accepted to fly the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Lagos State governorship race in 2019, his associate and publisher of Ovation magazine Dele Momodu, has squealed.
Momodu on his Twitter handle, @DeleMomodu tweeted: “Breaking news: Lagos 2019 promises to be interesting. PDP offers Femi Otedola governorship ticket. He’s accepted and personally confirmed to The Boss newspaper.”
The entry of Otedola, a true Lagos Boy and socialite will change the political calculations in Lagos State which has in recent days experienced some political permutations and uncertainties.
On his Instagram page, Otedola shared a video of himself enjoying a ride in a miniature vehicle. He captioned the video: “Never too old to catch some fun.
Incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode had himself been in the midst of a storm after falling apart with his godfather, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ambode had served notice to re-contest next year but he is up against the hill as Tinubu has positioned roadblocks to check him out of Alausa Government House by May next year.
Ambode told party faithful in Alausa to join him to build a prosperous state driven by a vibrant economy, equity and justice.
“In these three and a half years as your governor, I have seen visible proof that we can achieve unbelievable things when we all come together with no more than our belief in our dreams.
“But there is still a lot more to be done and I am not tired. I am sure you feel the same way because we all envision a better Lagos of our dreams.
“So, I humbly call you again to give me your support as I seek to continue with your mandate to steer the affairs of our state; let us achieve more,” Ambode said.
Ambode enjoys the support of Lagosians who see him as a performer but this may not hve gone down well with Tinubu’s camp. Insiders said Ambode had tried to maintain aloofness from the Jagaban of Lagos politics but in the process he has incurred the wrath of the man many see as the landlord of Lagos.
Tinubu is using members of the State Assembly and the LG and LCDA chairmen in the state to unsettle Ambode whom sources say faces the risk of impeachment before next year’s election. Ambode has been asked to step down after his first term but he would not have it so. His declaration of intent was said to have angered Tinubu.
