A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Umar Sani, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu maintains strong political control in Lagos State.
Sani made the assertion during an interview on SYMFONI TV, where he referenced past political developments in the state to back his argument.
He pointed to the experience of former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, noting that despite being widely regarded as a performing leader, he was denied a second term.
According to Sani, Ambode’s political fate was sealed because he failed to align with Tinubu’s expectations, underscoring the influence the president wields in Lagos politics.
Sani also questioned Tinubu’s democratic credentials, arguing that true democrats should maintain cordial relationships with their opponents even after elections.
He cited the president’s reportedly strained relationships with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi following the 2023 presidential primaries.
He concluded that these developments reflect how loyalty and political competition shape decisions within Tinubu’s political circle, particularly in Lagos, where leadership outcomes are closely tied to his influence.
Sani said, “Ambode, everybody agrees, was a good governor, but he didn’t meet the threshold of Tinubu, and he was removed. A person you call a democrat is somebody that will contest against certain people and still be very friendly with them.”
