Major Shake-up as Key Lagos PDP Figures Defect to APC Over Leadership Crisis
In a significant political development in Lagos State, several high-profile members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal crises and a loss of direction within the PDP.
The defectors include prominent party executives, former candidates, and influential stakeholders. They blamed the PDP’s persistent leadership tussles, internal disunity, and diminishing relevance as their primary reasons for leaving.
Leading the defectors was the PDP Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Hakeem Amode, who voiced deep dissatisfaction with the party’s current trajectory.
> “The PDP has strayed from the principles that once made it a viable alternative. Today, it is plagued by instability, factionalism, and a clear loss of political direction,” Amode stated during the formal declaration.
Full List of Defectors:
Hakeem Amode – PDP Publicity Secretary, Lagos State
Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem – Former Deputy Governorship Candidate, PDP Lagos
Chief Ola Apena – Former Deputy Chairman, PDP Lagos
Prince Rufus Ademola Adeniyi – Former Assistant State Organizing Secretary (Lagos West), PDP
Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo) – Former PDP House of Reps Candidate, Surulere Constituency I
Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye – Spokesman to 2023 Lagos PDP Gubernatorial Candidate
Hon. Keshinro Abiodun – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Epe Constituency I
Akeem Jinadu – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Eti-Osa Constituency I
Hon. Ibrahim Balogun – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Kosofe Constituency II
Taofeek Bolaji Obanikoro – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Lagos Island Constituency I
Tunde Pratt – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Lagos Mainland Constituency II
Saheed Aregbesola – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II
Sulaimon A. Thompson – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Surulere Constituency I
Taofeek O. Kuye – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency I
Adeyemi Kazeem – Former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government
This wave of defection marks a major realignment in Lagos State’s political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, as the APC strengthens its position while the PDP continues to grapple with internal challenges.