Ebun Francis|
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Lagos State Governor, has explained why he is supporting Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu against the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, for the party’s ticket ahead of the 2019 governorship election.
Speaking with newsmen during the now cancelled primaries on Tuesday, Tinubu said he withdrew his support for Ambode because he believes character is important in politics and that governance is “beyond bricks and mortar”.
According to once godfather of Ambode, although the governor (Ambode) has done well during his time in office, he has not been a good party man.
He further explained that he is yielding to the wishes of his supporters who made him the leader of the party structure in the state.
Tinubu said, “Who did I support in 2014? Ambode. Life is dynamic. It’s those who made me the leader of the structure in Lagos who said it was what they want. It’s only if you have followership that you’re a leader in democracy.
“If I look back and I don’t find them again; if I don’t respond to them, if I fail to accede to their request, I would have failed the leadership test.
“This is not personal; it is beyond me as a person. Every democratic constitution is preceded by ‘We, the people’. So, I had to submit myself to the wishes and the yearnings of our party.
“This is an elixir for the general election. Ambode Akin, he’s doing well, yes; he hasn’t been a good party man; not only the glamour, not only about brick and mortal. A talent is determined by character. For you to become an influential person, you have to respond to the yearnings of the people. This is politics; democracy, one man, one vote,” he said.