Kunle Adelabu
Mrs Funke Akindele, PDP Seputy Governorship candidate
The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mrs Funke Akindele, has revealed that she ran away after she was first told to be running mate to Dr Olajide Adediran (Jandor).
The popular Ikorodu – born Nollywood film maker, announcing her acceptance of the position, said that her party would not only win the election but also constitutes the next government in Lagos State.
Akindele made the revelation during her acceptance speech in Ikorodu after she was announced as the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate and presented with the party’s flag at the party’s secretariat at the Adeniran Ogunsanya House along Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikorodu on Tuesday, Jully 12, 2022.
She, however, said that she changed her mind to accept the responsibility after assurances from the Governorship candidate, party and family.
“At first, I ran away when I was told to be his deputy because I don’t want problems, but after praying over it, God told me that I should go ahead and my parents and leaders in the party also gave me their assurances that they are firmly in my support”, Akindele revealed.
“Also, my boss that would be boss in 2023 also assured me of his support and today, I am also getting further assurances and support, seeing you turning out for me massively despite the rain.
“I have accepted (to be PDP Deputy Governorship candidate of the party) and I am lifting the party’s flag. We are not only going into the election but also going to win and constitute the government”, she announced to the jubilant crowd”.
She said that she is making a big sacrifice with her acceptance but that she is ready to work with her boss if they win the election, towards bringing developments to Lagos State.
“I am really happy for this turnout by Ikorodu people. This is something that God has ordained”, she said.
“You all know that I am a film maker and when I say that I am a film maker, that means I am an actress, producer, script writer, director and set designer. I am also a Chief Executive Officer of a company that I have been managing for over 14 years.
“You all know since when I have started acting and I had to start something on my own when I could not get work to do. I started making films on my own that turned me to a star. It is the grace of God and hard work that got me here.
“Now, I have to leave the job which is a big sacrifice. This is a job that I usually get big endorsements that worth millions of naira because I want to go into politics with ‘Jandor’ in liberating our people. What sacrifice can be more than this?”, she asked.
“Are we happy the way we are living? Since we are not and tired of our situation, we need positive changes. Jandor has been on the course for about eight years, leaving his job and other engagements in the pursuit of good living condition for Lagos State. What sacrifice can be more than that?
“Our late mother Princess Adenrele Adeniran Ogunsanya also did her best and sacrificed. She supported our cause and she was exemplary because not everyone can tell the truth”.
While stating that she had made many enemies with her decision to accept to be PDP Gubernatorial running mate, Akindele said her administration would ensure there are good roads, free education and good health care service among others.
“I know that I now have lot of enemies, but I don’t mind since it’s on the truth. It’s all about the greatness of Lagos”, she said.
“I don’t want my children to continue staying abroad. I am an Ikorodu and Lagos indigene and I want my children to be here. There must be good security; we must have good roads, good health system and education must be free and now, we have somebody that is ready to do all these for us, why won’t we support him?”, she asked rhetorically.
“We are going to fix all the bad roads and you need to start writing them down and getting them across to us.
“I am going into government for women because we also needed to be empowered. I am going there for our children, especially girl – child. Girls too can make it in life”.
She pledged to be Deputy Governor for all Lagosians if elected come 2023 elections.
“I am also going to be the Deputy Governor for the youths, for Ikorodu people and entire Lagosians. We have to support our talented youths and now is the time for us to help them to export their talents”, she said.
“My boss (Governorship candidate) and l are also youths and we are going to handle your challenges one by one.
“We have not yet kicked–off the campaign, l am just here today to officially let you know that I am the Deputy Governorship candidate of the PDP. Thank you people of Ikorodu for accepting me. I won’t disappoint you”, she pledged.
