By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a Christian group, North Central Christian Forum, NCCF, Lagos State chapter, has expressed support for the return of former governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, saying Lagos needs a leader like him to continue the transformational initiatives he started in the state.

The group, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu, the Lagos State Government, and members of Governance Advisory Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to give Ambode right of first refusal for the party’s ticket as a result of his loyalty to the party.

The Christian group said a vote for Ambode would further boost Lagos’ path to Greater heights, adding that “re-election of Ambode’s as governor in Lagos will be of immense boost for President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid as well.”

Recall that Ambode was the governor of Lagos State between 2015-2019, but lost the ticket for his second term bid in office to his contender, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Meanwhile, Ambode has continued to receive several calls to join in the 2027 governorship race.

NCCF stressed that the four-year tenure of Ambode was one of the most remarkable since return to democracy in 1999.

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the Lagos State Chapter Chairman of NCCF, Pastor Timothy Zakari, at a Christmas Carol said, “A humane and compassionate leader is needed in Lagos, especially someone like Ambode who has a deep understanding of Lagos and its peculiar challenges.”

Zakari added, “We have seen leaders come to the stage and leave, but former governor Ambode remains a delight to most Lagosians on the account of several life-changing initiatives he embarked upon, especially in the area of human capital development and capacity building.

“He provided platforms for our young people to learn skills that will make them not just employable, but employers of labour. Today, the fruit is those initiatives are felt across families in Lagos.

“He made a huge investment in Lagos infrastructure, leading to a massive traffic decongestion in the commercial city.

“Transportation that has remained a source of concern received a boost under Ambode as the waterways have been made safer for our people to move freely and transport their goods,” he stated.