Segun Atanda/
Aides of the governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, have debunked social media reports claiming he had suspended his campaign for a second term of office and endorsed one of his rivals, Jide Sanwo-Olu.
The aides, who are not authorised to speak with the press, told NewsmakersNG today in separate chats that social media reports that the governor had decided to suspend his second term bid in order to put the interest of the All Progressives Congress and Lagos State ahead of his personal interest were unfounded.
The purported statement by Ambode says: “I, Akinwunmi Ambode the executive governor of Lagos State after due considerations and consultations, I have decided to suspend my campaign for a second term as the executive governor of our great state.
“This is done in good faith to put the interests of our great state ahead of our personal ambition and to honour the clarion call for a change of leadership by our great party.
“I am committed to the program and manifestos of our great party APC to improve the lives of the people of Lagos state and Nigeria as a whole.
“In view of this, I hereby endorse Hon Jide Sanwolu to represent our party for the office of the executive governor of Lagos state.
“I thank the leadership of our party at all levels for their supportive role during my term as the executive governor of Lagos State.”
The also dismissed another statement purportedly issued by the governor’s spokesman, Habib Aruna, reacting to the earlier statement credited to the governor.
They urged members of the public to disregard the two statements, describing them as hoaxes.
The purported statement by Haruna says: “My attention has been drawn to a falsehood spreading across social media platforms on the endorsement of a candidate for the Lagos State Governorship position by His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
“There is no iota of truth in the said statement and it did not emanate from the Governor or his office. We are not oblivion of the desperation of some misguided individuals who are hellbent on fanning the emblem of discord within the Lagos APC.
“The tremendous strides and infrastructural development embarked upon by H.E will be completed by him within the constitutional stipulated time.”
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