The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State has moved to consolidate its political front ahead of the 2027 general elections, adopting Hon. Dr. Oladipupo Wilson Diriwari as its consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency.
The ratification exercise, held in an orderly atmosphere on Sunday at the party secretariat, brought together party leaders, delegates, stakeholders, and security observers, as the party declared its readiness to reclaim what it described as its “lost political glory” in the constituency.
Speaking at the event, the moderator and Chair of Chairmen, Hon. Paul West, urged members to maintain peace and decorum throughout the process.
“We are here for serious business. PDP is a party that has room for everyone, and we are going to be orderly as we used to be because this is not the first time we are going through this process,” he said.
He noted that despite the numerous internal and external challenges confronting the PDP nationally, the party had remained standing because of the commitment and loyalty of its members.
“We thank God that this party continues to strive because it has dedicated people like all of us here today. By all manner of things that have befallen the party, it ought to have died, but PDP still de kampe,” he added.
West further explained that the party’s decision to participate actively in the forthcoming elections was driven by the desire to reverse the nation’s socio-economic and security challenges.
“Our country has almost sunk. We want a country where our aged parents can go to their farms without fear of being kidnapped. Our incoming House of Representatives member must support other lawmakers through legislation that will change the narrative of backwardness in Nigeria,” he stated.
According to him, the party leadership had prevailed on other aspirants to step down in support of what he described as “the best among the aspirants,” leading to the consensus arrangement ratified by delegates drawn from the wards.
The event was witnessed by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, officials of the Directorate of State Security from Ajeromi-Ifelodun, as well as the South-West PDP leadership led by Engr. Akanji Nurudeen.
Party members unanimously endorsed Hon. Dr. Oladipupo Wilson Diriwari as the party’s flag bearer, describing him as an acceptable and credible candidate capable of repositioning the constituency.
The Ajeromi-Ifelodun PDP Chairman, Hon. Alhaji Kabiru Adewale Adebiyi, described the exercise as “a new beginning” for the party.
“PDP is alive, and we are determined to regain our lost glory. PDP has a record of excellent performance the last time it occupied the House of Representatives seat in Ajeromi-Ifelodun. We have capable hands, and we are not fighting anybody,” he said.
Also speaking, a longstanding party leader since 1999, Alhaji Ibrahim Olagoke, said the emergence of Diriwari signaled a turning point in the constituency’s political history.
“Some people thought they would reign forever, forgetting that one day it would come to an end. Hon. Diriwari has remained loyal to the party and its leadership, and today God has given him the ticket on a platter,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Dr. Oladipupo Wilson Diriwari pledged to offer vibrant and people-oriented representation if elected.
“I was born and raised in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency. Everybody knows this is a PDP stronghold. I will not go to the House of Representatives to become an ‘I concur’ member, neither will I be a sleeping or docile legislator,” he declared.
The legal practitioner and solicitor accused the ruling party of producing non-performing representatives over the years, adding that Nigerians were suffering from poor leadership and ineffective representation.
“We have come back to reclaim our mandate because our people have suffered too much. I urge all party members to go out and evangelize that Dr. Diriwari has come out for service and to bring good news through PDP,” he said.
Some residents and party supporters at the event also expressed optimism about Diriwari’s candidacy.
Mrs. Mimi Peter said she was motivated to support the PDP candidate because of his humanitarian activities, even though he holds no public office.
“I am not a politician, but I have heard so much about what Hon. Diriwari has done for people. I will vote and canvass votes for him,” she said.
Another supporter, Abass Bolarinwa, pledged to work tirelessly for the party’s victory in the constituency, describing Diriwari as a man with genuine concern for the people.
