By By Muminat Ajide
Former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, was recently pictured with the current Governor, Sanwo-Olu, in a photo posted on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s official Instagram page.
“Today, I welcomed my brother and predecessor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, back to Lagos House on a courtesy visit. Our conversation centered around the future of Lagos and building on the solid foundation already in place. I value his perspective as we all work together to ensure that Lagos remains on the path of growth and development,” the caption reads.
Bola Tinubu governed from 1999 to 2007, succeeded by Babatunde Fashola until 2015, who later became Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing until 2023. Ambode assumed office in 2015 but faced internal party conflicts during the APC primaries in 2019, reportedly overshadowed by Lagos APC leader Tinubu’s support for the incumbent Governor Sanwo-Olu according to reports
Since his term ended in 2019, Ambode has not been seen in political and social events involving Tinubu, Fashola, and Sanwo Olu.
While occasionally appearing at national APC gatherings, such as his appointment as Deputy Chairman of the South-West sub-committee of the Contact and Strategy Committee in May 2021, Ambode has kept a low profile. Reports speculated Ambode might challenge Sanwo-Olu for the APC gubernatorial ticket in May 2022, but his supporter, Wale Oluwo, lost to Sanwo-Olu.
However, signs of reconciliation surfaced when Sanwo-Olu attended Ambode’s 60th birthday celebration in Lagos on June 14, 2023 and also at the welcome back party for Tinubu in Lagos
