PDP has been in crisis in Lagos State for some time. Some say the crisis is self-inflicted, while others say it is caused by sponsored moles paid by the state’s ruling party to weaken the party structure and ensure it never wins elections.
After a failed attempt in October last year, the party recently held a state congress in Lagos Island, where hoodlums fired guns into the air to disperse delegates, including journalists covering the election.
After two failed attempts to hold the congress, on February 28th, an election was held at the Bishop Vining event centre in Ikeja, with Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, as chairman of the electoral committee.
Some candidates and party leaders claimed the election was rigged. They insisted that the party leaders reached a consensus on the state executive committee candidates.
Sadly, the party is still divided, despite the fact that the winner of that election claimed he could bring all disgruntled party members together, citing his experience as a grassroots politician and his closeness to former state chairmen as reasons for his determination to win Lagos for the PDP in 2023.
In an interview, Aivoji stated that he would work with ward chairmen and other party leaders to ensure that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is given a red card in 2023.
“I am a grassroots politician. For example, if I became the state chairman, I would organize workshops and seminars for the 245 ward chairmen. WHY IS THE SYMPOSIUM AND It is up to them to win their wards and units. That they can be financially independent if they are trained and organized will also help them learn that.
“I told them we would work for our victory as soon as I became state chairman. Instead of an office, my executive committee (exco) and I will get on a bus and tour the 245 wards to win people over to our party. It was discussed before our congress because APC had failed the people. You know that everything starts at the local level, then moves to the state level, and so on.
“As state chairman, I will work with the grassroots to help the party win elections. My exco will support whatever the locals decide. We won’t impose candidates on them like in the past. People will not betray the party if they understand the grassroots dynamics.
The PDP currently has no reward system, but that will soon change. I told them I would call anyone who has served in this party since 1999 for ideas. They’ll all be useful. Most of the party’s former local government chairmen left, but now they are back and active. So, how many former ministers still come around to see what’s going on in the party? They left because of the leadership, but I will ensure they return.
“We will do the right thing and include everyone. Politicians crave recognition. There must be discipline and a reward system for success. We will easily win Lagos State thanks to the congress. A similar congress will be held for the governorship. I also told them that once the governorship candidate is chosen, other positions should be spread across local governments to ensure inclusivity.
According to Aivoji, former deputy national chairman of the party Chief Bode George is his leader and nothing will come between them.
Following the congress that elected Aivoji as the party’s state chairman, some party members claimed the election was rigged because the party leaders had agreed on consensus which was allegedly abandoned by the Governor Douye Diri led electoral committee.
Aivoji said everything is under control and he is ready to do everything possible to bring the party members together and prepare for the 2023 Lagos State election.
“Chief Bode George is our father, and I will always respect him as such. I have never insulted any of my elders, and nothing will separate us. He leads us. We’ve talked one-on-one, and I’ve told everyone that no one will stand between us.”
Angry party members demanded that the leader’s position be protected after Dr. Amos Fawole lost to Aivoji by a few votes in that congress.
But Aivoji, who allegedly lacks the former deputy national chairman’s blessing, insists there is no cause for concern as he has always had a good relationship with Bode George.
“I have spoken to the other aspirants except Dr. Amos Fawole whose telephone number was switched off,” he said. I intend to see him. I’ve extended a friendly hand to each of them. We’ll collaborate. We will all work together to ensure the party’s success in 2023.
It’s all about what they can do. Politically, I lead Fawole. We last met at Chief Bode George’s. Bode George leads us. I must admit that those who yell are in the minority. The masses will win the election. “I got 839 votes and Fawole got 800, so it was a close race,” he said.
Niyi Adams, a candidate for the Lagos State PDP chairmanship, congratulated the newly elected chairman and urged him to lead the party to victory in 2023, which he believes should be his priority.
Adams, in a statement made public, urged Aivoji to maintain unity, pledging his full support in his quest for a larger Lagos State PDP.
“Please do everything humanly possible to bring our party together. We have the best chance of winning now, so please stay focused. Rest assured that I will fully support you in this endeavor. Again, congrats to all. “It is our victory.”
