Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as JANDOR, has said that the party’s lack of grassroots presence continues to cost it electoral victories in Lagos State.
JANDOR, who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) months ago, made this remark after casting his vote at Irewe Ward D, Booth 001 in Ojo at 10:49 a.m. on Saturday.
He noted that the election was peaceful and devoid of rancour, attributing this to his defection to the APC, which he described as his family’s party.
At the time of his vote, only a few voters were seen in queue at Irewe, a riverine community about an hour by boat from Ojo town.
“For any party to unseat the APC in Lagos State, it must establish strong grassroots structures, which I believe is nearly impossible,” JANDOR said.
He explained that while in the PDP, he and his team introduced fresh ideas and worked hard, but the party lacked the grassroots presence needed to succeed.
“Elections in Irewe community are like family affairs, free of misgivings, unlike during my time in the opposition,” he added.
He praised the APC’s entrenched network of grassroots stewards, which he said has made the party a household name across Lagos communities.
“It is better for people like us with a large following to join the APC train and build on the legacies of its past leaders rather than remain in opposition. As it stands, the PDP does not have the grassroots strength to contend with the APC in Lagos State.
“I salute the unwavering stance of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who laid the foundation for the party’s progress in Lagos during his tenure as governor,” he said.
JANDOR also commended the outgoing executives of Ojo Local Government Area, led by Chairman Mr Idowu Rosolu, for their people-oriented projects, urging the incoming executives to emulate them.
After voting, he paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Irewe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Abideen Adikanbi Durisimi, the Osolu of Irewe Kingdom.
