By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The Dr Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday inaugurated newly elected State, Local Government Area and Ward Executive Committees of the party faction in Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the well-attended event held at the PDP Secretariat on Ajao Road, Ikeja, was graced by PDP national officials, South West Zonal Executive Committee, leaders, elders and party members.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Sunday Solarin, the National Deputy Organising Secretary, who congratulated the new party managers, said the task before them was to rebuild and strengthen the party structure.

Solarin, who represented the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, described the gathering as inspiring with notable PDP leaders in attendance, adding that the large crowd showed PDP was not dead.

“Let us not be perturbed by whatever turbulence we may be seeing in the party. At the end of the tunnel, there will be light by the grace of God.

“It will be practically impossible for anyone to crumble PDP: it is not possible. PDP is a big party in this country and it will not be possible for any group of people to bury it alive.

“PDP will continue to stand firm, it will continue to wax stronger no matter the antics of some leaders who have chosen to connive with the ruling party to undermine its fortune.”

He said it was regrettable that those who had benefitted so much from the PDP were ones waging war against the party.

Solarin urged the new executives and loyal party members to remain committed, saying the fortune of PDP remained “very bright”.

Also speaking, Chief Olabode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman and Lagos State Apex PDP Leader, said PDP remained the only true national party in the country.

According to George, the PDP’s ward council and state congresses and convention were conducted successfully.

“I want to confidently tell you that what we have in our party today, since our Ibadan national convention in November 2025, is a rebirth, a new hope, a new beginning, a restoration of the confidence Nigerians had in PDP when it was founded by our fathers in 1998.

“Some of us did the leg works when the foundation was laid about 28 years ago.

“That is why we have resolved that we will never, I repeat, never allow anti-democracy elements today to destroy our party,” he said.

George described the new State PDP executives, led by Dr Amos Fawole, as comprising men and women of integrity, “and we are going to support them.”

On defections of PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), George alleged that the party’s governors and lawmakers were being forced and threatened to defect.

He said, “But we are not bothered because PDP is the only true national party in the country today. APC is just a coalition of strange bedfellows.”

The party chieftain said that voters were waiting to re-elect PDP in 2027.

George added, “PDP stands for what is just, fair and equitable. And that is what the Kabiru Turaki-led NWC has vowed to do in the build up to the next general elections in 2027.”

George cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against rigging in 2027 general elections.

“INEC should also be careful. In PDP, INEC cannot choose our leaders for us. Opposition parties will resist this behaviour from the umpire,” the PDP leader said.

George appealed to PDP members in the state not to panic saying, the” challenge PDP is faced with is temporary”

“So, PDP members should not panic at all. Nigerians are waiting for us in 2027. Remain in the party and work for its progress.

“From the North to South, East to West, PDP remains a strong political platform, offering great opportunities for members and Nigerians.

“It is only in PDP that the interests of Nigerians can be better served.There is no coalition in today’s Nigeria that can be stronger than PDP.

“Ours is a reborn political party that has weathered every storm and can never go under. Those defecting must return to this Iroko political party.

“PDP is coming back to take over its place as the ruling party in the country. I want to assure Nigerians that come 2027, PDP will take Nigeria to its rightful place in the comity of nations.”

In their separate remarks, a former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, and a former PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) urged party loyalists to be strong and courageous, saying “PDP is not dead.”

Speaking, Mr Phillip Aivoji, the outgoing Lagos State PDP Chairman, whose address was delivered by the outgoing Lagos West PDP Vice Chairman, Chief Sunday Olaifa, commended party leaders, calling for collective effort to build the party.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated party managers, the State Chairman, Fawole expressed the executives’ commitment to the ideals and values of the party without deviation.

Fawole, who applauded the sacrifices of the outgoing exco, led by Mr Phillip Aivoji, promised purposeful and goal-oriented leadership “to bring the party to winning way”.

“Our task is clear: it is to build and strengthen the party structure to rescue Lagos State and Nigeria. Lagos PDP will be strengthened. With collective efforts, this state is winnable for PDP,” Fawole said.

The Inauguration also had South West PDP Chairmen in attendance, including Mr Dupe Aisida of Ondo and Mr Tunji Odeyemi of Ekiti, among others. (NAN)

•PHOTO: PDP leaders and elders at the inauguration of the ward, local government areas and state executive committees on Friday in Ikeja, Lagos

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