The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of controlling successive Lagos State governors and preventing them from fully implementing development initiatives.
Pearse, who spoke on the 2027 Lagos governorship race, said Lagos would be better off under his leadership, alleging that Tinubu had historically opposed governors who attempted to pursue independent development agendas. He cited former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode as examples, claiming that Tinubu moved against them after they became increasingly focused on development.
According to Pearse, Tinubu’s influence over the state has also affected the management of Lagos resources, alleging that governors are pressured to divert funds meant for development towards political activities and elections. He described the years of Tinubu’s leadership in Lagos as a “total failure” and argued that the state has not achieved its full potential.
Pearse further alleged that the Governorship candidate for APC, Obafemi Hamzat, would face limitations if he attempts to act independently of Tinubu. He said he would not be constrained by such political influence if elected, promising to build on the legacies of former governors Lateef Jakande, Fashola and Ambode, particularly in infrastructure, technology and waste recycling.
