The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday said it would welcome Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode into its fold if he decided to dump the All Progressives Congress. (APC).
The Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Taofeek Gani, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Gani spoke following reports that Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, a former Commissioner for Training and Establishments in the state, had been adopted by the APC leaders to succeed Ambode.
The APC chairman in Lagos State, Alhaji Tunde Balogun had told newsmen on Wednesday that the governorship ticket of the party was open to all aspirants.
Former Commissioner for Works, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, is another aspirant seeking the job of Ambode with Sanwo-Olu.
The PDP spokesman said that the party would be glad to receive Ambode into its fold if he decided to leave APC for whatever reason.
Gani said: “Any forward-looking party would not have rejected its main opponent joining it, especially a big personality like Ambode.
“We are ready to welcome him (Ambode) to our party, if he decides to join for any reason. We are very ready to accept him, if he decides to join us.
“You see PDP is a party for all, so far value will be added. We cannot turn down our opponents, especially a big personality like Ambode.
“Therefore, he is welcome. His joining us will definitely add value and boost our chances to win the state.”
He added the party would accord him all the rights and privileges with the existing members to realise his political ambitions.
Your Victory is assured in APGA- Umeh
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Victor Umeh, has called on the embattled governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, to join the party, saying his victory is assured.
Ambode has been reportedly having a running battle with Aswiaju Bola Tinubu, who is the leader of his party, All Progressives Congress, APC.
Report had it that over 50 council chairmen loyal to Tinubu, Ambode’s estranged godfather, had reportedly met and pledged their support for Jide Sanyaolu Sanwonolu, who is believed to be Tinubu’s preferred choice.
But Senator Umeh, who represents Anambra Central senatorial zone during an interview with journalists on Thursday evening, said APGA was open for Ambode to join.
He said, “That is what our party should be doing. When we see people who have the capacity to win election, we approach them and offer our platform.
“I want to assure Ambode that if he joins APGA, his victory is surer. We have support in Lagos that can help him win election.
“We are calling on Ambode to consider APGA now and let APGA work for him.”
Umeh insisted that APGA was very much on ground in Lagos State, and could sway enough votes to win his reelection in 2019.