On Monday, a major political shake-up struck the Lagos chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The party’s spokesperson, Hakeem Amode, and several prominent party leaders defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Amode and other which cited disillusionment with the PDP’s leadership and direction, joined a wave of defectors who made their switch public at a press briefing held in Ikeja.
Mr Amode noted that the decision was influenced by the leadership qualities demonstrated by Abdul-Azeez ‘Jandor’ Adediran, the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate, who previously joined the APC.
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He stated that he and his colleagues had been inspired to follow Adediran’s lead.
“In announcing this move, we are making a significant and strategic choice, not just for ourselves but also for the many dedicated political allies who have stood by us through various phases of our journey,” Mr Amode said.
He went on to declare the dissolution of the PDP’s organisational structure in Lagos, from the grassroots to the state level, as supporters aligned with Jandor to defect en masse to the APC.
“The PDP has veered off course both nationally and within Lagos State. The founding principles that once gave the party strength and respect across Africa have been abandoned. Its future now hangs in the balance,” he said.
Reflecting on their time in the PDP, Mr Amode described it as long and eventful, marked by both progress and difficulties.
He noted that many of those leaving had held various roles within the party and contributed their best efforts.
“However, after considerable reflection and wide consultations, we have chosen to pursue a new path. This step is not taken lightly — it is a move to regain control of our political futures and better serve our constituents and loyal supporters,” he added.
He criticised the current state leadership of the PDP, led by Philip Aivoji, for fostering division and exhibiting poor leadership, which he said had cost the party dearly.
“Today, along with former candidates, local and ward-level leaders, and key stakeholders across Lagos, we officially resign from the PDP and declare our allegiance to the APC. Letters of resignation have been submitted to the appropriate PDP leaders at ward, local government, and state levels,” Mr Amode said.
He clarified that their decision to leave was not motivated by personal ambition but rather a desire to serve the public more effectively under a new political platform.
Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time deputy governorship candidate of the PDP, also addressed the media, expressing readiness to contribute to Lagos State’s development under the progressives’ banner.
Similarly, former PDP Deputy Chairman in the state, Ola Apena, dismissed the party’s relevance, declaring, “The PDP no longer exists in any meaningful form. The structure is broken, and there’s no indication of revival.”
Speaking for the PDP’s 2023 state House of Assembly candidates, Ibrahim Balogun, who contested in Kosofe, expressed regret over staying in the party for 18 years.
“We are moving together into the APC and will support Mr Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Jandor is a leader worth following—he represents the people,” Balogun said.
Jandor welcomed the new members. He stated, “We have effectively integrated the PDP’s entire structure into the APC. There’s no reason to remain in a party that lacks strategic intent and electoral ambition. For years, the PDP in Lagos has functioned more like a social group than a competitive political party.”
He accused the PDP leadership of deliberately preventing the party from winning elections, thereby wasting the efforts of its members.
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“The PDP is sinking. In today’s political landscape, the APC remains the only viable platform,” Jandor said.
Other notable defectors included Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West); Mr Jerry Afemikhe, a former House of Representatives candidate for Surulere Constituency I; and several 2023 PDP state House of Assembly candidates: Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1), Akeem Jinadu (Eti-Osa 1), Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2), Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1), Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2), Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1), and Taofeek Kuye (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1).
