The Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party’s PDP appears to have learnt its lesson after its abysmal loss in the 2023 governorship election, which analysts ascribe to an internal crisis.
The party’s leadership, on Worker’s Day, May 1, 2024, held its first reconciliatory meeting in Lagos, where all aggrieved members were urged to spread an olive branch and unite ahead of the 2027 elections.
Present at the meeting were the former deputy national chairman, Chief Olabode George, former minister Abimbola Ogunkelu, Philips Aivoji, and Muritala Ashorobi, among others.
However, the absence of the party’s flag bearer in the last governorship election, Mr. Abdulazeez Olajide Adediran, famously known as Jandor, has stirred concerns and speculations.
The PDP’s historical dominance as the main opposition to the ruling APC was shattered in the 2023 election, with Jandor’s third-place finish and mere 62,449 votes starkly contrasting with their usual second-place position.
Observers said the internal feud that rocked the party during the electioneering contributed to the terrible defeat.
Lagos PDP Internal Crisis
Analysts believe the feud between Chief Bode George and Jandor, which stemmed from the latter’s refusal to accept Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour as his running mate, significantly hampered the party’s campaign.
Jandor’s eventual choice of Funke Akindele, a popular Yoruba actress with limited political experience, further alienated some party members. Akindele’s own comments, suggesting she relied on her social media following rather than concrete policies, did little to inspire confidence. When asked if her party could win the election in one of her interviews, she said, “He (Mr Sanwo-Olu) has the numbers; I have the numbers. I have fans and followers. I’m true to myself. I have over 19 to 20 million fans on social media.”
In contrast, Gbadebo, who defected to the Labour Party after being rejected as Jandor’s running mate, enjoyed considerable support from the youth and garnered 312,329 votes, securing second place.
His campaign reportedly received backing from Chief Bode George and other disgruntled PDP members who felt Jandor disregarded the party leadership after securing the nomination.
Why APC should not take the PDP reconciliation with levity
One of the wonders of the 2023 general elections, which equally jolted observers, was Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) defeating Bola Tinubu in Lagos, where he was a two-term governor and where he has been wielding political power since 1999.
Even though religion and massive support from the youths are said to be among the factors that contributed to Obi’s victory, no one expected him to defeat the ex-Lagos governor in his backyard.
While the recent reconciliatory efforts may not guarantee an easy path to victory in 2027, the Lagos PDP’s attempt at unity sends a clear message to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A united opposition, regardless of past grievances, poses a far greater challenge than a fractured one.
The APC, which has held power in the state since 1999, should not underestimate the potential of a revitalized and unified Lagos PDP.
