Spokesperson for the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Hakeem Amode, along with other Chieftains of the party in the state, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC), on Monday.

Announcing their defection at a news conference on Monday in Ikeja, Lagos, Amode stated that they were greatly inspired by the defection of the 2023 PDP governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, whom he described as a visionary leader.

Further stating their reason for defection, the chieftain disclosed that the PDP is on life support and all its stakeholders experience nothing short of setback.

Describing the Philip Aivoji-led Lagos PDP, Made noted that the party is fractured and disunited.

He said; “It is with great honour and a profound sense of responsibility that we stand before you today to announce a pivotal decision; one that marks a significant turning point not just for us as individuals, but for many committed political stakeholders who have journeyed with us over the years.

“Today, we have decided to collapse the entire PDP structure in Lagos State, from ward to the state level , to allign with His Excellency Jandor to decamp en masse to the APC.

“The PDP, both at the national and state levels, has lost its way.

“The party has deviated from the founding ideals that once made it the largest and most respected political platform in Africa.

“Today, its future is riddled with tension and uncertainty.

“The PDP is in a coma and may not survive unless urgent measures are taken.

“However, after thorough introspection and extensive consultation, we believe it is time to chart a new course.

“This decision has not been made lightly.

“It reflects our commitment to taking control of our political destinies in order to better serve our people and the loyal supporters who continue to stand by us.”

He disclosed that the party has refused cohesion and the decision has cost them greatly. Therefore, Amode said he and several former PDP candidates at the national, local government executives, ward leaders, and key stakeholders across Lagos, already turned in their resignation and formally aligned with the APC.

He further pledged to partner with the APC in full and deliver the true dividends of democracy to every corner of the state.

Others who dumped the PDP for APC include; Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) and Mr Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP House of Representatives Candidate in Surulere Constituency I.

Also, the 2023 PDP Lagos State House of Assembly candidates who defected included Messrs Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1);Akeem Jinadu, (Eti-Osa 1); Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2).

Messrs Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1); Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2); Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo State 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1) and Taofeek Kuye ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun State 1).

Also, former PDP Chairman, Adeyemi Kazeem, Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye of Ojo Local Government, and media aide to the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate, were among the defectors.

Giving their remarks respectively, Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time State PDP deputy governorship candidate, and a former state PDP Deputy Chairman, Chief Ola Apena said the PDP is no longer relevant in the state and defectors were determined to follow the progressives to make the state better.

Also, Ibrahim Balogun who spoke on behalf of 2023 PDP state House of Assembly candidates, said he wasted time by staying in the PDP for 18 years but have realized and ready to work with Tinubu in 2027.

Welcoming the defectors, Jandor, said the PDP has been successfully collapsed into the APC.

Describing the PDP as a party without determination and purpose of winning elections, Jandor encouraged the defectors that they have made the right decision.

“Lagos State PDP leadership is ensuring that the party does not win and the party had been doing this for over two decades now, wasting people’s destiny.

“I congratulate these PDP leaders for joining me in the APC.

“The PDP is a sinking ship. In Nigeria of today, there is no other viable platform apart from the APC,” he said.