Former Lagos commissioner for home affairs AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He announced his departure in his Independence Day message on Thursday, saying his decision to resign was due to the rejection of his movement and governorship ambition by some “close leaders” he respected in the party.
AbdulLateef, who was commissioner during the administration of one-term governor Akinwunmi Ambode, had launched ‘Iyepe 2023’ on Tuesday, a movement to galvanise Lagosians to develop more interest in politics and curb voter’s apathy.
He has also resigned his appointment as special adviser on religious affairs to the speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly.
Abdullateef, however, thanked the APC leader Bola Tinubu.
“When I joined politics, he was there for me and assisted me greatly to occupy very enviable positions in the government. He has developed so many other individuals in very many capacities,” he said.
He also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, other leaders of the party and past governors he worked with.
He said: “This movement has been rejected by some close leaders I respect. I have, therefore, decided to leave the party in order not to create disunity within the party. Please do not persecute or victimise my followers who have chosen to stay in APC.
“I leave them all in the care of the Lord. I am more concerned about paradise and I am not afraid of death. I will continue to preach the word of God and invite all Nigerians regardless of their religions, colour, and race to be determined to be different. We cannot continue this way.”
