A group of elders in the Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the party’s governorship candidate in the recent general elections, Olajide Adediran, popularly known as “Jandor,” to desist from denigrating the party’s leaders in the state. The elders, including Chief Olabode George, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akere, Mrs Onikepo Oshodi, and Dr. Charles Akitoye, signed a communique warning Adediran to respect the party’s culture and traditions.
The communique stated that the party’s constitution, as amended in 2017, prohibits members from denigrating party leaders and elders, and urged Adediran to conduct himself in conformity with the party’s norms. Failure to do so would lead to disciplinary measures against him. The party also advised Adediran to disband his political group, “Lagos for Lagos,” as the PDP does not condone grouping within its fold.
The elders passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Chief Bode George, affirming his leadership of the party. The communique stated that George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, is the undisputed leader of the PDP in Lagos. The party called on Adediran to recognize George’s leadership and work with him to build a stronger PDP in Lagos.
Adediran, who contested under the platform of the PDP, lost the gubernatorial election to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He has been vocal in his criticism of the PDP leadership in the state, accusing them of not doing enough to win the election. The elders’ warning is seen as a move to unite the party and prevent further divisions.
The PDP has struggled to gain a foothold in Lagos State, which has been dominated by the APC for years. Despite the loss in the recent election, the party is still working to strengthen its presence in the state. The warning to Adediran is seen as a step in the right direction towards achieving this goal.
