A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Abdulahmed Olorunfemi Mustapha, has revealed that the endorsement of the incumbent governor of Lagos State can’t prevent him contesting.
He made this known while unfolding his programmes for the Centre of Excellence, claiming that he will focus on the accelerated implementation of the Master Plan developed by former Governor Bola Tinubu, which has been followed by his successors.
Mustapha, a Permanent Secretary in the defunct Akinwunmi Ambode Administration, also promised to focus on transportation, housing, education, health care, power generation and security in the Centre of Excellence.
Although the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which is the apex leadership organ of Lagos APC, has endorsed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for a second term, Mustapha said the endorsement cannot prevent him from joining the race.
Mustapha, who said he had been screened by the APC Screening Panel in Abuja, said he had not informed the National Leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, about his ambition to run.
However, he said Tinubu is a believer in superior argument and always receptive to ideas, adding that his new vision and policy distinction will further serve the camp of the leader in his bid to lead Nigeria.
Mustapha stressed:”No discussion with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. But, I am an Asiwaju disciple.”
The implication of his entry into the race is that Governor Sanwo-Olu, former Commissioner Wale Oluwo and Mustapha may square up at the primary.
Party faithful who reacted to Mustapha’s aspiration said they will not go against the position of GAC on Sanwo-Olu’s re-election bid in the spirit of party supremacy, discipline, fidelity and cohesion.
Mustapha told reporters in Lagos that being a democrat, the National Leader has clarified that all elective officers were open for interested party members to contest.
He also refuted the allegation that he and Oluwo were being instigated by former Governor Ambode to contest, saying his allegiance is to the party.
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