Wale Jagun
Dr Olajide Adeditan (Jandor), PDP Governorship candidate presenting his Deputy, Mrs Funke Akindele to the crowd of PDP members in Ikorodu. With them, Mr Phillip Aivoji, PDP State Chairman, Prince Adekunle Oduborisha, chieftain of the party and others.
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, defied the rain and trooped out en masse in Ikorodu to witness the official announcement and presentation of the popular Nollywood actress, Mrs Funke Akindele, as the party’s Deputy Governor flag bearer for the 2023 General Elections.
The team, led by its State Chairman, Mr Phillip Aivoji, other state officials and party candidates across the state, coverged on the party’s secretariat at Adeniran Ogunsanya’s compound along Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikorodu, for the presentation event.
At the rally was the Governorship candidate of the party, Dr Olajide Adediran (Jandor).
The high powered delegation had earlier visited the Ayangbure palace to pay homage to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi.
Funke Akindele receiving PDP flag from the State Chairman of the PDP, Mr Phillip Aivoji, as its Deputy Governorshio candidate at a rally in Ikorodu.
Mr Aivoji, presenting Akindele with the party’s flag as its candidate on behalf of the National Chairman of the party before the large crowd who cheered the announcement, the state chairman said that the party is ready to dominate and win the next general elections in Lagos State.
Dr Adediran, speaking at the rally, said that he was in lkorodu to fulfill his promise that a woman from Ikorodu would be made his running mate if he becomes the party’s candidate.
He also said that his government will breadth a new life into Lagos State and be a clearer departure from the norm.
The Governorship candidate also said that both have been employers of labour for over one decades and have proven that they have the capacity to manage resources and men.
“We are here today to fulfill our promise. It was in this compound some years back that I made the pledge that I am going to pick a woman from Ikorodu if I am picked as the Governorship candidate to honour our mother, late Princess Adenrele Ogunsaya (late)”, Dr Adediran said.
“Tell those that are not aware that my Deputy is a lawyer; let them know that she started and grew her business on her own. She is not like some that are carrying their certificates all about looking for job. She has been employing many others for about 14 years now.
“The Deputy Governor that will be running with me is a youth. Let them know that she is 44 years and I am also 44 years. What were those incharge today doing when they were 44 years old? They were carrying files for some people.
Dr Olajide Adediran addressing the crowd during the formal presentation of Funke Akindele As his Deptuty in Ikorodu
“Jandor has been an employer of labour since 2008. My Deputy has also been employing labour. This has exposed us to how to manage money and human resources. This has made us to be different from those that were given the state to manage but have never managed five people before”, he added.
“If they are asking you that what is PDP presenting in Lagos State, tell them that we are bringing neven w life to the state. Our candidacy is a clear departure from the norm. We are the ones that you can called untainted because we have never been elected or appointed .
“This is what we called breadth of fresh air. Some people should know that it takes somebody with intelligence to play multiple characters”.
Jandor, presenting Funke Akindele as his running mate, described her as dynamic personality who can fit into any role.
Large crowd at the rally in Ikorodu.
“My deputy is ssomeone that would give it to you whichever way you want it. If you want her to speak Yoruba, she’s very adept in it and if it’s the Queen’s English, she can also speak very well”, he said.
“Formally, I want to present to you a clear departure from norm; I want to present to all of us my deputy governor”, he announced as the large crowd expressed their approval with loud shout.
Chief Taiwo Adekogbe, the immediate past PDP Chairman in Ikorodu, speaking earlier, said that Akindele is a full-blown Ikorodu indigene.
“It is our turn in Ikorodu and our daughter has been picked as the Deputy Governor. She is a bonafide indigene of Ikorodu, Funke Akindele”, Adekogbe said.
“We are simply here today to present Funke Akindele with our party’s flag as the running mate. We have been to the traditional ruler of lkorodu and we have duly informed him about this and he has given his blessings and acceptance.
“We did this so that some people will not be doubting and everybody that were there knew that we were well accepted and we had meetings.
“We are here now to inform all of you and we want you to go back to your various homes to let the people know and be aware”, he charged.
Also at the rally were Prince Adekunle Oduborisha, a chieftain of the party, Mr AbdulAzeez Adekunle Awesu, PDP Candidate for Ikorodu Federal Constituency seat, Mr Olalekan Olamide Lawal, PDP Candidate for Ikorodu Constituency I seat among others.
PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Funke Akindele, speaking, thanked people of Ikorodu for trooping out to accept her while announcing that she has accepted to carry the party’s flag.
She said that she had made big sacrifice like her boss in leaving her high paid job to support the Governorship candidate of the party in bringing positive developments to the state.
“I am really happy for this turnout of Ikorodu people. This is something that God has ordained”, she said.
“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 because I want to go into politics with ‘Jandor’ in liberating our people. What sacrifice can be more than this?”, she asked.
“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”, Akindele announced acceptance.
“We are going to fix all the bad roads and you need to start writing them down and get them across to us”.
She pledged to be Deputy Governor for all Lagosians if elected come 2023 elections.
“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..
“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.
“My boss (Governorship candidate) and l are also youths and we are going to handle your challenges one by one”, she said.
