Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has conceded defeat and accepted his opponent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the winner of yesterday’s All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary.
There was contention over who won the election . while the Lagos State chapter of the party claimed that Sanwo- Olu won the primary , the National Working Committee (NWC) , said that there was no primary in Lagos and warned that the result should be disregarded.
However, the argument took a new dimension as the NWC ate its’ word and announced Sanwo – Olu the winner . Sensing danger , Ambode accepted defeat and congratulated Sanwo-Olu .
A source told Cornerstone news that Ambode did the right thing when he discovered that the NWC has compromised and have abandoned him .
” What did you expect him to do when everyone , including his deputy governor and the top members of the party, have denied him and distance themselves from him . He had no options than to key into his party’s decision . The party is is bigger than one man “.
Read the full text of his press conference: “F ellow Lagosians, the last few days have witnessed intense political activities that have gripped the attention of the nation and created palpable tension in the polity.
I strongly believe that the time has now come for the State to move forward in order that the gains of the last three and half years are not lost.
Dear Lagosians, APC is a great party and the interests of our beloved State must always supercede that of any person or group.
It is in this regard that I wholeheartedly congratulate the winner of the Lagos State APC Primaries, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and urge all Lagosians to immediately support our party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 elections and work for the success of our dear party.
As Governor, I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition in the remaining period of this administration and ultimately to the new Governor, come May 2019.
I therefore appeal to all our party members that we remain one family and unite behind the candidate of the party, so that we can continue to move this state forward.
The progress of Lagos state is non-negotiable. It is a project that I have passionately worked for in the last three and a half years as your Governor and one to which I will forever be devoted.
I wish to use this opportunity to thank our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the leadership of our great party at state and national levels, all party faithfuls and all Lagosians.
I thank all Lagosians for their faith and trust in me. I urge you not to relent in your support for our party as we prepare for the General Elections.
Long Live Nigeria
Long Live Lagos State
Long Live APC
Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, lo jewa Logun
HIS EXCELLENCY,
MR. AKINWUNMI AMBODe “.
