The Lagos chapter of the Labor Party (LP) has refuted claims that the state’s former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has joined the party.
Party chairman Ifagbemi Awamaridi told PREMIUM TIMES by phone on Thursday that Ambode is still in the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
There were claims that Mr Ambode, a one-term APC governor, had switched to the Labor Party and would contest the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform.
On Thursday, Mr. Ambode began trending on Twitter after several social media users claimed that he had gotten the guber ticket from the LP.
RIP:
Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode chooses the Labor Party’s gubernatorial bid.
— Nigerian citizens (@FRNCitizens) July 7, 2022
But Awamaridi maintained that he is the standard-bearer for his party in the race for state governor next year.
A source close to the former governor also confirmed that the rumors about his defection are false.
“He is a committed and bona fide member of the APC who will work for the success of the party’s candidate at the state and federal level,” said the source, who declined to be named because Ambode did not authorize him to speak on the matter.