..Dismisses death rumours, says APC has failed Nigerians economically
…Vows internal crisis will be resolved before July elections
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially presented its candidates for the upcoming July 12 local government elections, with prominent party elder statesman, Chief Bode George, leading the campaign launch in a show of renewed political intent.
The event, held in Lagos on Wednesday, drew a gathering of party stalwarts and loyalists, described by insiders as a “determined rebirth” of the opposition in a state long dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the conspicuous absence of Lagos State PDP Chairman, Mr Philip Aivoji, stirred fresh concerns over lingering internal divisions.
Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, took direct aim at the APC, accusing the ruling party of mismanaging the country’s economy and worsening insecurity.
“To say the PDP is dead is the most irresponsible statement. How can the iroko tree die?” he asked rhetorically.
“APC is a party made up of strange people, hastily assembled. The people are hungry. There is no hope, no jobs, and no money—even for graduates.”
Chief George was accompanied by his wife, Roli Bode George, along with other senior party figures including Dr Amos Fawole (PDP Southwest Legal Adviser), Chief Mrs Onikepo Oshodi (Board of Trustees Member), Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele (former Deputy Governor), Captain Tunji Shelle (former Lagos PDP Chairman), and Nike Coker (Ex-Officio Member), all of whom rallied behind the unveiled candidates.
He encouraged the candidates to speak candidly during their campaigns, especially about the country’s economic decline, and to remain resolute in confronting entrenched political structures.
“The candidates must tell the truth and not be afraid to confront the challenges. The people deserve to know why things are falling apart,” he said.
Despite the strong turnout, Mr Aivoji’s absence did not go unnoticed. Sources within the party, who requested anonymity, described the no-show as “intentional,” pointing to unresolved leadership disagreements that continue to trouble the state chapter.
Chief George, however, expressed optimism that the rifts would be settled before the end of the month, assuring members that reconciliation efforts were underway.
Turning to electoral concerns, he cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) against becoming complicit in partisan manipulation.
“Professor Mahmood Yakubu must tread carefully. LASIEC must not allow itself to become a tool of the APC,” he warned.
The PDP also used the platform to draw attention to the country’s worsening security situation, citing the recent killings in Benue State as further evidence of government failure.
As the elections draw nearer, the PDP’s unveiling event signals a push to reassert its relevance in Lagos politics, with renewed focus on economic hardship and security challenges under the current administration.