Ambode: Tinubu’s men urge Hamzat to step down for Sanwo-Olu, offer him deputy slot

The Mandate Movement, a group within the Lagos chapter of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), which is rooting for emergence of
Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the next governor, has reportedly reached out to
another aspirant, Dr Femi Hamzat.

The Mandate Movement is loyal to APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, who
has allegedly endorsed Babajide Sanwo-Olu to succeed Governor
Akinwunmi Ambode.

As information on Tinubu's support for Sanwo-Olu gained momentum, a
source had told DAILY POST that, the "Jagaban has the right to support
anybody".

The aspirant is the Managing Director of Lagos State Development and
Property Corporation, LSDPC, while Hamzat was Commissioner for Works
under the Governor Babatunde Fashola's administration.

Already, Sanwo-Olu, who officialy announced his intention to unseat
Ambode, has the backing of chairmen of the 57 councils in Lagos.

Similarly, a good number of top APC chieftains attended his
declaration last Sunday.

As the primary election draws near, it was gathered that Tinubu's
loyalist have started wooing Hamzat to step down for their candidate.

Hamzat is from the Lagos East like Ambode and some people in the
senatorial district have kicked against Samwo-Olu's candidature,
saying he's not from the zone.

To placate them, the Mandate Movement is said to have offered Hamzat
the deputy governorship slot and nomination of some commisioners.

DAILY POST reports that aside Tinubu's support for Sanwo-Olu, the
religion factor may also work against Hamzat, a Muslim.

Tinubu and Fashola, both Muslims, were in office for two terms of
eight years each.

Ahead of the 2015 election, power brokers and stakeholders decided to
back a Christian to address the clamour by the community.

And if Ambode won't return just after four years of a Christian
holding the position, Tinubu's support for a Muslim may backfire and
lead to protest votes in 2019.