Four years after he left office, a former Governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode is set to formally declare his aspiration to succeed President Muhammdu Buhari in 2023.
There have been rumours about Ambode’s return to the political space with many speculating the ex-governor was eyeing a return to the government house in Alausa.
However, Iwitnesslive authoritatively learnt that the former Accountant-General is aiming for the apex office in Nigeria under the platform of the All Progressive Congress.
Our correspondent reliably learnt that barring unforeseen circumstances, Ambode will make an official declaration this weekend and will pick up his nomination and expression of interest forms before the Tuesday deadline.
“Contrary to the speculation that Ambode is eyeing a return as Governor, he is aiming to take over from Buhari in 2023. He is joining the race and all things being equal, he will pick up his forms by Monday at the latest.
” A lot of work has been done in the background and many people will be surprised about what Ambode will do regarding his ambition,” the source said.
Ambode will be the latest disciple of the National Leader of the APC Bola Tinubu who will be battling with him for the presidential ticket of the party.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Kayode Fayemi, Ibikunle Amosun are some of the other political godsons of Tinubu who are eyeing the ticket.
It is instructive to note that Ambode has since severed relationship with Tinubu after the latter led a coalition that stopped the accountant from returning as Governor of Lagos in 2019.
The APC special presidential convention is scheduled to hold from Monday, May 30, to Wednesday, June 1.
It will be recalled that the chairman of the Akinwunmi Ambode Campaign Organisation, Olawale Oluwo, had said within the week that his principal would by Friday (today) inform Nigerians of his aspirations.