By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has appealed to Chief Bode George to rejoin the “party’s mainstream leadership structure” in order to reposition it ahead of 2027.

Mr Hakeem Olalemi, State Organising Secretary of the faction, made the appeal in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.

NAN reports that George, a former PDP deputy national chairman, is aligned with the Dr Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, backed by Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

George has been a fierce critic of Wike and his actions regarding the PDP since the beginning of the leadership crisis in the party.

Olalemi, who spoke on the state of the party and preparations for the 2027 general elections in the state, said George remained a respected leader and an integral member of the PDP family despite ongoing disagreements within the party.

According to him, George’s experience and contributions to the PDP make him a vital asset to the party.

Olalemi said it was important for the former party national officer to remain within the party’s mainstream leadership structure for progress.

“Chief Bode George is always welcome in the PDP. We have great respect for him and there is room for him within the party.

“Chief Bode George loves PDP. He cannot leave PDP. He is coming back to the mainstream to work for the party’s progress.

“He is our father. He is a foundation member; nobody can ask where he is coming from. We will welcome him back to the fold,” he said.

Olalemi said the PDP remained a united family despite differences among some leaders and members.

He said reconciliation and inclusion remained part of the party’s enduring culture and political tradition.

“The PDP is a family. If we use one hand to discipline a child, we use the other hand to bring him back.”

“That is what has been keeping us together. There is room for everybody who believes in the progress of the party.

“We must forget the past. We want everyone on the other side to come back and be with us to build this party again,” Olalemi added.

The PDP chieftain said party leaders should rally around the “recognised Alhaji Abdurahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee” ahead of 2027 and beyond.

He said that all members and stakeholders should work together to strengthen the party.

The PDP chieftain also dismissed concerns over the emergence of alternative opposition platforms in the state.

He described such political movements as weak and incapable of threatening the PDP’s position.

Olalemi said: “There is no other opposition in Lagos except PDP in Lagos.

“All those people that I call mushroom parties cannot match us in terms of experience, exposure and political structure.

“You should look at the pedigree of their governorship candidates. Who among them can be compared with our candidate in terms of experience and exposure?”

Olalemi said the party had begun strengthening its structures across the state ahead of 2027.

He said PDP members were mobilising support for the party at ward, local government and zonal levels.

“So, I am telling you now that PDP in Lagos State is more than ready to slug it out with APC in the 2027 general elections.

“We are ready to give them a fight in 2027 . We are rejigging our machinery at the various local governments, wards and zones.

“PDP is everywhere in Lagos State. Most of the candidates in those opposition parties were originally PDP members,” he added.

Olalemi expressed confidence that politicians who had left the PDP would eventually return.

He attributed his confidence to the party’s enduring structure and nationwide presence.

“Those who have left will come back to the fold. All of them will return to PDP because they know where the structure is,” Olalemi said. (NAN)

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