‘Mu’azu wanted Ambode to defect to PDP,’ monarch says

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu has revealed that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu had earlier urged him to secure the defection of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode to the PDP.

The monarch made the comments during an interview with Eniola Akinkuotu of Punch.

Excerpts below:

Out of the numerous governorship candidates in Lagos State why did you choose Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress as your candidate?

It is only Almighty Allah that knows everything. Let me be honest with you, I do not play politics. But if you look at things, you have to consider what is best for the development of your people and the one that can bring good tidings for your people. What Ambode displayed at that time impressed me. Despite all the tribulations, he stood firm and his loyalty and commitment to the progress of Lagos State impressed me and since then, I have been having my eyes on him that may be in the future, if the opportunity presents itself, and he has the opportunity of becoming something in Lagos, I will encourage him in his aspirations.

You said you don’t play politics. But would you have supported Ambode if he was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party?

Well, I can tell you in all honesty, I went to Mecca as the head of Nigerian delegation and I met the present Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mu’azu. He is someone I have known for a long time. He is a very close friend. In Mecca, there was nothing he did not say to convince me to support his party. He told me support him but I told him what Almighty Allah had shown to me regarding Ambode. He said I should convince Ambode to defect to the PDP and they would adopt him as their candidate but I said I no. I told him that I did not hate the PDP.

But you once said it was not the will of God for the PDP to rule Lagos. Does it mean that if a qualified person from the PDP steps forward, that person can never be governor?

There are still good people in the PDP. I am not saying that. Don’t misquote me. There are many good people like Ade Dosunmu and even Jimi Agbaje, who is my blood relation. But it is unfortunate because there are some things I don’t want to disclose. Their hatred of Bola Tinubu is the mistake they are making. He is an individual they don’t understand. You know Jesus said in the Bible that ‘Father please forgive them for they know not what they do’. And the Tinubu that they wanted to destroy, see what God has helped him to do for Nigeria. The art of politics and getting things done for now, can only be done through Bola Tinubu, which they do not understand.

If Agbaje contests again in 2019 or 2023, will you give him your blessing?

He is a Nigerian. He can contest 20 times. It is his inalienable right to contest and God Almighty and any occupier of this house, anything he feels will be in the best interest of his people is who he will bless.