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As the April 11, 2015 Lagos State Governorship election draws nearer, the anticipation on who emerges the winner between the two major candidates of All Progressive Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akinwunmi Ambode and Jimi Agbaje respectively becomes more intense. So, it is important to consider factors that might determine the winner as Lagosians head to polls tomorrow.
The first factor one needs to consider is the recent political blunder committed by the Oba of Lagos, who happens to be a keen supporter of Akinwunmin Ambode of All Progressive Congress. The Oba was quoted to have threatened the non-indigenes, the Igbos in particular, who reside in Lagos to vote for Ambode or be prepared to get drown by Lagos lagoon. This development has made many Lagosians, who are from the Southeast and South-south zones of the country, make up their minds that they would not accept to be intimidated by any; as a result, most of them are determined to cast their votes for Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Another factor to be considered is the outstanding performance of the incumbent governor, which many have described as awesome. Many people, including the Lagos State governorship candidate under the platform of PDP, have all acknowledged the fact that Governor Fashola has performed wonderfully. Though, some of his policies might have affected some people, such as Okada riders, market women and others negatively, some people still strongly believe that the outstanding performance of Governor Fasola will go a long way in influencing many Lagosians to vote for Akinwunmi Ambode of All Progressive Congress(APC).
Similarly, another important factor one should look out for is the controversy surrounding the influence of the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While some people believe Asiwaju Tinubu’s influence on governance in Lagos State is becoming too unbearable, some still believe the man is only doing what he knows how to do best for the good of Lagosians. The people that frown at Tinubu’s interference in the governance of Lagos State allege that the man is running Lagos State as his own personal properties. To them, Tinubu indirectly controls almost everything that happens in Lagos State, while also alleging that he has indirectly converted the properties of Lagos State to his personal use. To these people, there is no way they would cast their votes for Ambode because doing so will amount to a continuous indirect slavery for Lagosians. However, the other set of people see nothing wrong in what Tinubu does as regards Lagos politics. To them, they would cast their votes for Ambode in order to ensure the continuity of excellent performances recorded by Governor Fashola. Without doubt, Asiwaju Tinubu will certainly influence the outcome of the result, which may favour either of the candidates.
In the same vein, the PDP gladitators, especially in Lagos State, now see the winning of the Lagos State Governorship seat as their last hope, having recently lost at the Federal level. Therefore, they are fully prepared to go to any length in making sure that Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party wins the race. The people like the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Olabode George are fully ready to render both moral and financial support to Jimi Agbaje. They will do anything possible in ensuring his victory, bearing in mind that they may not have anything to hold on to again politically if Agbaje loses. Also, the support from PDP State Governors as well as the moral and financial support of President Jonathan will definitely go a long way in influencing voters to cast their votes for Agbaje.
On a similar note, the result the Presidential election, which was held on March 28, 2015, will definitely have an impact on the expected result of the Lagos State Governorship election. While some will likely cast their votes for Akinwunmi Ambode of All Progressive Congress for the purpose of giving Lagos State an opportunity to have a very cordial relationship with the Federal Government, some might do otherwise because they don’t want a situation where the country will be a one party system under the government of All Progressive Congress. To these people, since APC always clamours for change, the change should be general, and must not be limited to the Federal level. They believe there should be change in Lagos too. However, one should also note that the recent visitation of the President-elect to Lagos State to campaign for Ambode might yield a positive result for the candidature of All Progressive Congress in the outcome of the result.
Finally, the persuasive strategies Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) employs in his campaign may actually work in his favour in the result of the election. Jimi seems to be appealing to the hearts of Lagosians. Aside this, the fact that Jimi Agbaje, as a person, has made a good reputation for himself over time will likely make the pendulum to swing his way in tomorrow’s Lagos State Governorship election.
