Contrary to reasons earlier given for denying a former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, a second term ticket by a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the party’s hierarchy in the state, Af24news has reliably gathered that the termination of Alpha Beta’s juicy revenue collection contract with the Lagos State Government by Ambode was the real reason why he was not allowed to run for a second term on the party’s platform.
Ambode, it was learnt, sometimes in 2018 terminated Alpha Beta’s contract, a company secretly registered by Tinubu, stirring the hornet’s nest in the process.
Af24news reliably gathered that the move was the beginning of Ambode’s political trouble in Lagos.
“Ambode’s decision to terminate the contract was seen as an effrontery and direct challenge to his godfather (Tinubu).
“That is what broke the camel’s back and led Tinubu to rally his foot soldiers in the state and party machinery against the governor,” a source close to both men told Af24news.
Though the contract was swiftly restored shortly after it was terminated as a result of what was described by sources as “immense pressure”, it was not enough to convince Tinubu to forgive and trust Ambode for another term in office as Lagos governor.
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Tinubu reckoned that should Ambode get a second term, he could terminate the contract again and probably go after his other business interests that have become a drain on the state’s purse.
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Findings by Af24news reveal that earlier claims made by Tinubu and other APC leaders in Lagos that Ambode was denied a second-term ticket because of arrogance, was false and a well-orchestrated plan to punish him for cutting off Alpha Beta’s hold on the state’s resources.
“Ambode did not pick calls? Ambode is arrogant? Those aren’t genuine or reasonable factors to deny him a second ticket. Go, check the records. The facts are there. When did Ambode begin to become arrogant? When did he stop to start picking calls?” a reliable source who understands the inner workings of Lagos politics told Af24news.
The source also pointed out that the claim by Tinubu of Ambode failing to follow the blueprint for Lagos development and transformation as the reason responsible for the vote of no confidence passed on him by APC leaders was a ruse.
According to the source aware of the events leading to APC governorship primary and rejection of Ambode by party leaders, the ex-governor took a decision that was considered costly.
“It was a costly misjudgement because when he terminated the juicy contract Alpha Beta had with the Lagos State Government, he hit hard into the heart of the godfather.
“Let me point out that what Ambode did was for the good of Lagos. He was convinced that the state had no more need for the contract with Alpha Beta. It was a costly misjudgement on his part,” said the source.
Some informed individuals, who confirmed this narrative, said they were shocked that Ambode had the courage despite being a first-term governor seeking re-election to touch Tinubu’s business interest.
Another source told Af24news that it was true that Ambode briefly terminated the Alpha Beta contract with the state government but did not make it public.
“Tinubu was furious, to say the least,” claimed the source.
“Not a few wondered about Ambode’s courage to take such a critical step in the midst of an election period. It didn’t appear a wise political move.
Continue here: Exclusive: Termination of Alpha Beta contract, real reason Ambode denied second term
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