The denial was contained in a statement today in Lagos by Ambode’s Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna.

Reports making the rounds on social media had quoted Ambode as saying that he had decided to suspend his second term bid in order to put the interest of the All Progressives Congress and Lagos State ahead of his personal interest.

The purported statement by Ambode says: “I, Akinwunmi Ambode the executive governor of Lagos state after due considerations and consultations, I have decided to suspend my campaign for second term as the executive governor of our great state.

“This is done in good faith to put the interests of our great state ahead of our personal ambition and to honour the clarion call for a change of leadership by our great party.

“I am committed to the program and manifestos of our great party APC to improve the lives of the people of Lagos state and Nigeria as a whole.

“In view of this, I hereby endorse Hon Jide Sanwolu to represent our party for the office of the executive governor of Lagos state.

“I thank the leadership of our party at all levels for their supportive role during my term as the executive governor of Lagos State.

But Aruna urged members of the public to disregard the statement credited to the governor, describing it as a hoax.

The statement by Haruna says: “My attention has been drawn to a falsehood spreading across social media platforms on the endorsement of a candidate for the Lagos State Governorship position by His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

“There is no iota of truth in the said statement and it did not emanate from the Governor or his office. We are not oblivion of the desperation of some misguided individuals who are hellbent on fanning the emblem of discord within the Lagos APC.

“The tremendous strides and infrastructural development embarked upon by H.E will be completed by him within the constitutional stipulated time.”