Lagos politics is getting more interesting as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factions in the state have reunited, setting their sights on unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
At a high-stakes reconciliation meeting held over the weekend at the Victoria Island residence of the party’s first state chairman, Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi, top PDP chieftains buried past differences and made a bold declaration: they are ready to take back Lagos from the ruling party.
For years, internal divisions plagued Lagos PDP, weakening its ability to challenge APC’s power grip on the state. Leadership struggles, factional battles, and unresolved disputes have consistently derailed its electoral ambitions. One of the most notable crises erupted in the lead-up to the 2015 elections, when multiple candidates laid claim to the governorship ticket. The situation repeated itself in 2019, with bitter rivalries between factions loyal to different political heavyweights, further dampening the party’s chances. In other news, iNaijanow recently shared a post on the price war between NNPC and Dangote refinery as they both slash the price of fuel.
Ahead of the 2023 elections, the party suffered another major split when its governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), and his running mate, Funke Akindele, failed to unite the different PDP camps. This disunity led to a poor showing at the polls, leaving the party at a distant third behind APC and LP.
But this meeting marked a turning point. Party heavyweights, including former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George, former Minister Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, and Board of Trustees member Aduke Maina, joined forces with state Chairman Philip Aivoji, Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd.), Ramoni Owokoniran, and Niran Adeniji to chart a new course.
In a seven-point communique issued at the end of the meeting, the party resolved to maintain the current leadership structure while focusing on grassroots mobilization. They urged members across all 20 local governments to rally Lagosians for the 2027 battle.
One of the most important resolutions from the meeting was the party’s firm stance against disloyalty. Leaders warned against anti-party activities, directly calling out members accused of secretly working for APC.
“Anyone caught undermining our mission should leave PDP immediately. We will no longer tolerate betrayal,” a party leader stated bluntly.
This warning reflects growing concerns that some insiders may have been sabotaging the party’s chances in previous elections.
Lagos PDP has long struggled to break APC’s dominance, suffering a string of electoral defeats despite the city’s large opposition base. The 2023 governorship race saw the party face setbacks, with internal rifts further dampening its chances.
But this time, party leaders believe the tide is turning. They argue that the APC-led government has failed Lagosians and that the people are ready for a change.
“We have seen what APC has done with power, and Nigerians are disappointed. Lagos deserves better, and we will deliver,” a party source said.
Reuniting is one thing; staying united is another. Many political observers note that Lagos PDP has made similar promises in the past, only to collapse under internal disputes before elections.
To succeed in 2027, analysts say the party must go beyond meetings and communiques. They need a clear strategy, strong grassroots engagement, and a candidate who can rally both party faithful and undecided voters.The party’s renewed energy signals a new chapter. Whether this unity holds until 2027 will be the true test.
