…Candidates presented with party flags
By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday formally presented party flags to its candidates ahead of the Lagos State local government elections scheduled for July 12, 2025. The ceremony, held at the PDP’s state secretariat in Ikoyi, was led by Elder statesman and former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Bode George.
Addressing party faithful and flag-bearers, Chief George urged the candidates to be bold and truthful in their campaigns. “Do not fear. Be courageous. Go out there and tell the electorate the truth. You are doing the service of God,” he told the aspirants, encouraging them to uphold integrity and accountability as they seek public office.
In his remarks, George dismissed claims that the PDP had lost relevance in Lagos State, likening the party to an Iroko tree that cannot be uprooted. “Those who are thinking that way are making a mistake. The PDP will never die. That is not possible. How can an Iroko tree die? APC is already in shambles. Did you see what happened in Gombe State? That is just the beginning,” he said, referring to internal issues within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
On the internal divisions within the PDP, Chief George acknowledged the crisis but expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved swiftly. “There is no organisation without crisis. It is the ability to resolve the crisis that matters. And the crisis in the PDP will be resolved within a month,” he assured party members.
He explained that at a point, the participation of the PDP in the Lagos local government elections was in jeopardy due to difficulties in making payments to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). To address the issue, he personally intervened.
“It became apparent that our party might be excluded from the election because of challenges with the payment process,” he said. “I had to visit the LASIEC office myself and met with the chairman, Hon. Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd.), who assured me that the matter would be resolved.”
Chief George also directed a message to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, urging him to uphold fairness and accountability. “He should remember that there is a day after. Whatever he does today in office, he will give an account of it before the Almighty God,” he warned.
He further called on the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to ensure transparency regarding lawmakers’ constituency allowances. “There should be transparency and accountability. He should also remember that there is a day after tomorrow,” George added.
He slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government over its handling of youth unemployment in Nigeria. Speaking in a recent interview, George lamented the growing joblessness across the country, stating, “There are millions of youths in Nigeria who are jobless. This APC government has failed them.” He accused the administration of lacking a clear strategy to address the economic hardship facing young Nigerians, warning that the continued neglect of youth welfare could lead to deeper national instability.
Vice Chairman of the PDP Lagos West, Chief Sunday Olaifa and Amos Fowole, Legal Adviser, South West presented the flags to the candidates on behalf of the party.
The event marked a renewed push by the PDP to reclaim grassroots influence in Lagos, as the party looks to strengthen its base ahead of the crucial local government polls.