Paragraph 1: The Defection and Initial Claims
The political landscape of Lagos State witnessed a shift in allegiance as Hakeem Amode, the former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with several other members, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move was publicly acknowledged by Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate. Amode’s declaration upon joining the APC was particularly striking, claiming that the entire PDP structure in Lagos, from the ward level to the state level, was being dismantled to align with Jandor and collectively join the APC. This assertion sparked widespread speculation about a potential mass exodus from the PDP and the imminent collapse of its organizational framework within the state.
Paragraph 2: The PDP’s Response and Dismissal of Claims
The PDP’s leadership in Lagos State swiftly countered Amode’s assertions, labeling them as "laughable" and "comic." Soji Orioye, the State Secretary of the PDP, issued a statement emphasizing the party’s continued strength and stability despite the departure of a few individuals. Orioye acknowledged that politics is driven by individual interests and wished the defectors well in their new political endeavors within the APC. However, he firmly rejected the notion of a collapsing party structure, highlighting Amode’s prolonged absence from party activities and his lack of involvement in recent party restructuring efforts.
Paragraph 3: Amode’s Disengagement and the PDP’s Internal Dynamics
The PDP’s statement shed light on Amode’s disengagement from the party’s operations. It was revealed that Amode had prioritized campaign duties over his official responsibilities as Publicity Secretary, neglecting party meetings for an extended period. This detachment, according to Orioye, rendered Amode unqualified to comment on the party’s internal structure, let alone its alleged collapse. Orioye emphasized the PDP’s ongoing progress, particularly in overcoming internal conflicts purportedly caused by Jandor and his associates during their time within the PDP. This internal healing process further solidified the party’s resilience and capacity to move forward.
Paragraph 4: Accusations of Sabotage and Return to "Paymasters"
The PDP’s response went beyond mere dismissal of Amode’s claims. Orioye leveled accusations against the defectors, alleging that they had actively worked against the PDP during the preceding general elections. Their defection to the APC was framed as a return to their "paymasters," suggesting a pre-existing allegiance and possibly a coordinated effort to undermine the PDP from within. This accusation added a layer of complexity to the defection narrative, painting it as a calculated move with potentially far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Lagos State.
Paragraph 5: PDP’s Commitment to Future Elections and Rebuilding Efforts
Despite the defections and the swirling accusations, the PDP affirmed its commitment to actively participate in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12, 2025. Orioye asserted the party’s intention to field candidates at all levels, from ward to council, showcasing its enduring presence and operational capacity. This commitment to electoral participation served as a practical counterpoint to the claims of a collapsing structure. Orioye further emphasized the current leadership’s dedication to rebuilding the PDP into a formidable political force in Lagos, capable of competing effectively and securing victories in future elections.
Paragraph 6: A Call for Focus and Measured Public Discourse
In closing, the PDP’s statement appealed to its members and supporters to maintain their focus and unwavering belief in the party’s potential. While acknowledging the defectors’ right to choose their political affiliations, Orioye cautioned them against making disparaging remarks about the PDP in public. This call for restraint and measured discourse indicated the PDP’s desire to avoid a protracted public feud and maintain a degree of decorum amidst the ongoing political realignments. The statement ultimately projected an image of a party confident in its ability to navigate the challenges posed by the defections and emerge as a stronger and more unified force in the political arena of Lagos State.
