Group, Ambode trade words over his alleged mental illness

A group, the Greater Lagos Alliance, has called for the disqualification of the Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Akinwunmi Ambode.
The group, which claims to be non-partisan, predicated its call on the recent discovery that Ambode allegedly has a history of mental illness.
However, Ambode’s campaign organisation has dismissed the position of the group.
It described Ambode as a man of sound mind.
The Greater Lagos Alliance said in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Lanre Adeoye: “We have been working behind the scenes for the enthronement of a new government that would take off from where Governor (Babatunde) Fashola stops from. After assessing the two major candidates (Ambode and Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party) and made our position known publicly on who to support based on their competencies and comparative advantages, we are sad to announce the withdrawal of our support for the candidate of the APC.”
Adeoye, a successful American-based neuro-surgeon, hinged the group’s shocking decision on an alleged chanced happening on the condition of Ambode when he came to the US for routine checkup.
The statement said: “We met at a sanatorium where I consult and he was quite open about the fact that he has been managing his situation well. But I wasn’t convinced because the job of governing Lagos is not for somebody with such ailment. Lagos demands someone who is 105 per cent mentally and physically fit.”
Adeoye said further that after several consultations and observing at close range, Ambode’s carryings-on vis a vis his penchant for missing critical political appointments among other frightening habits, which have pitted him against party chieftains, the group was calling for his disqualification by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said: “We are constrained to call on INEC to disqualify Ambode because of his mental imbalance. We cannot take such risk in Lagos State.”
But Ambode’s campaign organisation has refuted the allegation.
A statement signed by the head of the media team of the campaign organisation, Steve Ayorinde, said: “It has come to the attention of the Akinwunmi Ambode Campaign Organization the wicked, baseless and cowardly lies being circulated about our candidate for the Lagos State Governorship Position, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.
“The jittery opposition will stop at nothing in its smear campaign having failed to contain the soaring popularity of the APC Governorship candidate. But we are neither bothered nor discouraged; and we know that our numerous supporters and the generality of well-meaning Lagosians can see through the lies and desperations of those who dread a crushing defeat at the forthcoming election.
“We know the source of this evil story as well as their despicable trumpeters. Well, we’ve got news for them… April 11, 2015 is almost here and it’s a date with history, when the good people of Lagos State will once again reject the evil machinations of those political marauders trying so hard to hijack their destiny.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Ambode neither suffers from any ailment nor has ever met or been treated by a certain Dr. Lanre Adeoye. This fictional tale should be disregarded in its entirety.
“With a clear focus, sound mind and in good health, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode shall be unwavering in his campaigns and strategic consultations to retain Lagos State for the All Progressive Congress.
“Fashola is working, Lagos is moving and Ambode is ready. No weapon of the opposition can stand against this obvious choice of the people.” Agency report