The Lead Visioner for Lagos4Lagos Movement, Dr Olajide Adediran, on Monday, 9 June, 2025, received major defectors from the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), reports thegazellenews.com
The defectors were led by PDP’s Publicity Secretary in the state, who is the official spokesperson of the party, Hon. Akeem Amode.
The defectors include ward, local government and state executive members of the state.
Also joining APC alongside with their structures are: the two-time Deputy Governorship Candidate of the party Alhaja Safurat Abdul-Kareem; and Chief Ola Apena, former state Deputy Chairman of the party.
House of Assembly and House of Rep. Candidates of the party in the 2023 general elections were not left out.
While welcoming them, Adediran reiterated the need for their onward handover to the leadership of the party in Lagos State.
“Our major assignments as new members of the APC are but not limited to: ensuring that our great party remains the dominant party not in Lagos but in Nigeria as a whole; we must also work collectively to ensure the victory of our party and its candidates in the coming local government elections in the state and the 2027 general elections.
“Our primary aim should therefore be returning our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to office in 2027,” Adediran told the new party members.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the new party members, Hakeem Amode stated that the decision to join APC by the defectors marked a positive turning point in their political career.
“Our tenure within the PDP has been lengthy and eventful; characterized by both achievements and setbacks. Majority of us here seated have had the privilege of serving in various capacities, advocating for change, and contributing to the party’s mission in Lagos State.
However, after thorough introspection and extensive consultation, we believe it is time to chart a new course. This decision has not been made lightly, but it reflects our commitment to taking control of our political destinies in order to better serve our people and the loyal supporters who continue to stand by us.
Today, we have decided to collapse the entire PDP structure in Lagos State, from ward to the State Level and allign with JANDOR to decamp en mass to the APC,” he said.
Describing their joining APC as a new political beginning, Amode said: “Today, we, alongside several former PDP candidates at various levels, national, local government executives, ward leaders, and key stakeholders across Lagos, formally resign from the PDP and align ourselves with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We have submitted our letters of resignation to our respective ward chairmen, local government chairmen, and the state leadership of the PDP.
“Our decision is inspired by our belief in the leadership of Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, JANDOR — a visionary Leader who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of Lagosians and the principles of inclusive governance.
“To our supporters, we extend our deepest gratitude. This move is in your best interest. It is not driven by personal ambition, but by our collective resolve to improve the lives of the people of Lagos State.
“We are determined to work with our new partners in the APC to deliver the true dividends of democracy to every corner of our great state”.
Below is the roll call of major PDP members in Lagos State who have defected into APC on Monday, 9 June, 2025:
Hon. Hakeem Amode
Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary
Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem
Former Deputy Governorship Candidate, PDP, Lagos State
Chief Ola Apena
Former Deputy Chairman, PDP, Lagos State
Prince Rufus Ademola Adeniyi
Former Assistant State Organizing Secretary (Lagos West), PDP, Lagos State.
Hon. Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo) – Former PDP House of Representatives Candidate, Surulere Constituency 1.
Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye
Spokesman to the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate.
Hon. Keshinro Abiodun
2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Epe State Constituency 1
Hon. Akeem Jinadu
2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Eti-Osa State Constituency 1
Hon. Ibrahim Balogun
2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Kosofe State Constituency 2
Hon. Taofeek Bolaji Obanikoro
2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Lagos Island State Constituency 1
Hon. Tunde Pratt
2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Lagos Mainland State Constituency 2
Hon. Saheed Aregbesola
2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Oshodi-Isolo State Constituency 2
Hon. Sulaimon A. Thompson
2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Surulere State Constituency 1
Hon. Taofeek O. Kuye
2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Ajeromi-Ifelodun State Constituency 1
Hon. Adeyemi Kazeem
Former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government.
