In a rare occurrence, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State appeared at a public function alongside two of his predecessors, Babatunde Fashola and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signalling an end to the internal scuffle within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. The trio was pictured together on June 29, 2023, during a reception held at the Lagos House in Marina to honor President Bola Tinubu.
The sighting of Ambode with Fashola and Sanwo-Olu, captured and shared by Sanwo-Olu’s spokesperson, Gboyega Akosile, was significant as it marked the first time in over four years that the three politicians had come together. This display of unity indicated that Ambode had likely buried the hatchet.
The feud between these politicians stemmed from the 2019 election when Ambode, despite being the incumbent governor, lost the APC primary to Sanwo-Olu. Reports suggested that Tinubu, a prominent figure in the APC and Lagos politics, favoured Sanwo-Olu over Ambode, leading to his defeat. Since then, Ambode had distanced himself from Tinubu, Fashola, and Sanwo-Olu, not appearing alongside them at political or social events.
However, signs of reconciliation started to emerge when Sanwo-Olu attended Ambode’s 60th birthday party in Lagos on June 14, 2023. This gesture hinted at a possible mending of fences between the former rivals.
Opinions on this reconciliation vary. Some speculate that Ambode’s decision to bury the hatchet is purely a strategic move to gain favour with Tinubu, now that Tinubu holds considerable power. Others believe that Tinubu may have extended an olive branch to Ambode, acknowledging that they had offended him after he defied the perceived authority of the “god” of Lagos State.
It is not uncommon for politicians to engage in such maneuvers and reconciliations, driven by self-interest and political considerations. The true motives behind this reconciliation remain a subject of debate.
