The Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State on Wednesday officially unveiled its 57 chairmanship and 376 councillorship candidates for the July 12 Local Government election, just as a chieftain of the PDP, Chief Bode George canvassed for votes ahead of the poll.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the party also presented flags to the candidates at the event held at the Ikoyi office of Chief George.
Speaking at the ceremony, George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, urged the candidates to work hard to convince the electorate to vote PDP at the grassroots level.
According to him, if not for his efforts and visit to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), PDP would have been prevented from fielding candidates for the election.
He said: “The essence of today is to unveil our candidates in order to convince the electorate that the rumour that PDP has collapsed made by some people is most irresponsible and a total lie.
“How can the political Iroko tree die?
“The only political Iroko tree in Nigeria today is PDP.
“I feel sorry for those defecting to other parties.
“I appeal to Lagos electorate to vote for PDP.
“What has APC done to warrant recognition again compared to what PDP has offered Nigeria and wants to offer Lagos.”
The PDP leader urged the candidates to be courageous and vigorous in their campaigns across all wards and local government areas in the state.
George added: “For those of you contesting, be courageous.
“As you go out to campaign, do not be afraid to tell the electorate the truth.
“Wrestle for power to take care of the people and not to amass wealth to yourselves.
“You must be servant-leaders, washing the hands and feet of disciples (people) like Jesus did.
“You are to serve and not to be served.
“It is sad that today that some privileged few are living in high rise buildings while millions are hungry, suffering, and living in squalor.
“Please, be strong enough to convince the electorate.
“I will join you as much as possible to campaign to our people.
“Let the vibration of your campaign wake up Lagos.”
Lamenting the current economic and security challenges facing the country, George urged the government to do more, saying the primary responsibility of the government remained security and welfare of the people.
He urged both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and LASIEC to always carry out their duties conscientiously.
On the crisis rocking the former ruling party, George, who noted that there was no organisation without its challenges, said the crisis would soon be resolved.
Presenting the party flags to the candidates, Chief Sunday Olaifa, the PDP State Vice Chairman (Lagos West), commended the party leadership for working towards participation of the party in the election.
Olaifa said: “This election is winnable for PDP.
“All we need to do is to come together, work together, and win together.”
Also speaking, Chief Onikepo Oshodi, another PDP chieftain, said: “PDP is next in Lagos State.
“It is time for PDP to lead Lagos and again in Nigeria.
“We are sure APC will not make it in 2027.”
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The chairmanship candidates who received party flags included: Awwal Abiodun (Ibeju-Lekki); Olakunle Okekunle (Ajeromi Ifelodun); Faroq Ijaola (Ifelodun); Olawale Akanni (Somolu); Babajide Benson (Surulere); Olufemi Martins (Onigbongbo); Onyekanu Nnamdi (Ikeja) and Oluwadare David (Ojodu).
Also on the list are Thessy Whyte (Coker Aguda); Ibironke Taiwo (Itire-Ikate); Rilwan Akinbiyi (Oshodi-Isolo); Isiaq Shonusi (Isolo); Olatunde Adekanle (Ejigbo); Innocent Ifunanya (Bariga); Ebenezer Adebayo (Kosofe) and Moshood Eriokan (Orile-Agege).
Oluwafemi Shosanya (Amuwo-Odofin); Ismail Abiola (Oriade); Olasukanmi Moses-Oyekola (Yaba); Olajide Bob-Taylor (Lagos Mainland); Lateef Aganran (Mushin); Musiliu Ajibade (Lagos Island); Lateef Olawale (Epe); and Akeem Adenuga (Eredo).
Joseph Akintubuwa (Apapa); Nurureen Adio (Apapa Iganmu); Michael Oloyede- (Ifako-Ijaiye); Abayomi Medemaku(Badagry Central); Olubukola Ajayi (Olorunda); Alabi Gafar-Sewanu (Badagry West); Sanni Shakiru (Ojo). and Olukayode Oyedele (Oto Awori) were also presented with flags.
Others are Kazeem Atobajeun (Ikoyi Obalende); Blessing Aku (Iru Victoria Island); Kazeem Ganiyu (Eti-Osa West); Taofik Orimolade (Eti-Osa East); Kehinde Adebanjo ( lgando Ikotun); Joseph Olusola (Alimosho)and Michael Ajayi (Ayobo-Ipaja).
The event was witnessed by various prominent party leaders, including a former Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; a former State PDP Chairman, retired Captain Tunji Shelle; Alhaja Babs Olorunkemi; Dr. Roli Bode-George; Dr. Seye O’Dairo; Dr. Amos Fawole, and Chief Ahmed Alashe.
Others there were party leaders from various local governments, members of PDP LGA Chairmen Forum and loyalists of various candidates.
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