The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has officially unveiled its candidates for the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12. A total of 57 chairmanship and 376 councillorship aspirants will fly the party’s flag in the contest.
The unveiling ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Ikoyi office of PDP stalwart, Chief Olabode George, was a colourful event attended by party faithful, leaders, and supporters. Party flags were presented to all the candidates, symbolizing the formal commencement of their campaigns.
In his keynote address, Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, charged the candidates to embark on vigorous grassroots campaigns to win the hearts of the electorate. He emphasized the need for the aspirants to remain committed to the party’s ideals and to prioritize service over personal enrichment.
“You must go to every ward, every local council, and tell our people the truth,” George said. “Be courageous and fearless. The purpose of leadership is not to amass wealth, but to serve the people with humility, just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. That is the kind of servant-leadership we need.”
George expressed regret over the prevailing socio-economic hardship in Nigeria, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to live in deplorable conditions while a few privileged individuals enjoy luxury. He described the PDP as a resilient political institution that cannot be written off.
“Some claim the PDP has collapsed. That is an irresponsible lie,” he said. “The PDP remains the only surviving political Iroko tree in Nigeria. Those defecting to other parties are abandoning substance for shadows. I appeal to Lagosians—give the PDP a chance. Compare our record to the APC’s—what has APC done to deserve your votes again?”
The party chieftain revealed that the PDP nearly missed the opportunity to participate in the election until his personal intervention with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) ensured their inclusion.
He further called on electoral bodies such as LASIEC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of their duties.
George also addressed internal challenges within the PDP, admitting that while the party was facing some turbulence, efforts were ongoing to resolve the issues. “Every organization has its own share of challenges. What matters is how we resolve them. I assure you, our internal crisis will soon be a thing of the past,” he added.
Chief Sunday Olaifa, the PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos West), while presenting flags to the candidates, praised the leadership for ensuring that the party is well-represented in the elections. “This election is winnable for PDP. All we need to do is come together, work together, and win together,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, another PDP chieftain, Chief Onikepo Oshodi, declared that it was time for the PDP to reclaim its relevance in Lagos. “The PDP is next in Lagos and in Nigeria. We are confident that APC will not succeed in 2027,” she said.
Some of the chairmanship candidates who received party flags include: Awwal Abiodun (Ibeju-Lekki)
Olakunle Okekunle (Ajeromi-Ifelodun)
Faroq Ijaola (Ifelodun)
Olawale Akanni (Somolu)
Babajide Benson (Surulere)
Olufemi Martins (Onigbongbo)
Onyekanu Nnamdi (Ikeja)
Oluwadare David (Ojodu)
Thessy Whyte (Coker-Aguda)
Ibironke Taiwo (Itire-Ikate)
Rilwan Akinbiyi (Oshodi-Isolo)
Isiaq Shonusi (Isolo)
Olatunde Adekanle (Ejigbo)
Innocent Ifunanya (Bariga)
Ebenezer Adebayo (Kosofe)
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)
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)
Olukayode Oyedele (Oto-Awori)
Kazeem Atobajeun (Ikoyi-Obalende)
Blessing Aku (Iru-Victoria Island)
Kazeem Ganiyu (Eti-Osa West)
Taofik Orimolade (Eti-Osa East)
Kehinde Adebanjo (Uganda-Ikotun)
Joseph Olusola (Alimosho)
Michael Ajayi (Ayobo-Ipaja)
The event was well-attended by prominent figures in the party, including former Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; former Lagos PDP Chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle (Rtd.); Dr. Roli Bode-George; Alhaja Babs Olorunkemi; Dr. Seye O’Dairo; Dr. Amos Fawole; and Chief Ahmed Alashe.
Also present were local government party leaders, members of the PDP LGA Chairmen Forum, and numerous loyalists and supporters of the candidates.
As the PDP intensifies its preparations, the stage is now set for a competitive and possibly historic local government election in Lagos State.
