By
Onita Coker
Thursday, March 6, 2025, has become a red-letter day in the chequered political history of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos State. Political leaders with large followership came together to find a new direction, new vistas aimed at making the party march forward.
Chief Olabode George, Atona Odua and former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Bimbo Ogunkelu former Minister for Health, Chief (Mrs.) Aduke Maina, former member, Board of Trustees (BOT), Captain Tunji Shelle former State Chairman, Dr. Adeniji, Hon. Rahman Owolkoniran, South West Zonal Secretary, Dr. Layi Ogunbambi, Mr. Phillip Aivoji, state chairman, Mr. Taiwo Benedict, Deputy State Chairman, Chief Onita Coker and a host of others, including Alhaji Bello from Alimosho, Hon. Muka Popoola from Agege, Mrs ldowu Akinsanya, state woman leader, Alhaja Olorunkemi, Hon. Tony, State Financial Secretary, Barrister Coker, Hon. Dotun and Mr. Adegboyega Adegbesan representing local government Chairmen.
The convergence was at the behest of the first elected State Chairman, PDP, Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi, who is Chairman, the state’s Reconciliation Committee.
Five of the leaders, who had initially sat in a private room in Ashorobi’s office where all issues were resolved, came out triumphant with songs to join others waiting in a larger hall. It was a moment of jubilation!
Chief Bode George was first to point out the importance of the day: It coincided with the day Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late sage, was born and therefore most appropriate for the event.
Having settled all the differences, the task ahead is for the party to move forward along the path of inclusivity and growth.
“We must rally ourselves, not just those who are here, but all others out there. We must be ready to give and take”, he enthused.
Dr. Ogunkelu and Mrs Maina spoke in the same vein. So also were Captain Tunji Shelle and other leaders. Hon. Owokoniran spoke about unity within the rank and file while we should not lose hope in the forthcoming 2027 Elections. ” We have had a situation where a party with 37 House of Assembly members lost the gubernatorial election in this state. So nothing is impossible,” he said.
The state chairman was then advised to go ahead and prepare for a state General Assembly where leaders will showcase themselves and plead with followers that all acrimonies and disputations have been resolved.
Enough time was taken out to thank Dr. Adeniji, Late Mrs Adeniran Ogunsanya’s husband, for his ingenious contributions to the resolution of all the disputes between the leaders and for the successful outing.
