The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has downplayed the recent defection of several prominent members to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting the party remains unaffected by the exits.

 

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Hakeem Olalemi, PDP Vice Chairman for Lagos Central, said the defectors had not been active in the party for years and would not be missed.

 

“We’re not bothered at all. These individuals left the party a long time ago in spirit. They haven’t been involved in our activities or defended the party in recent years,” Olalemi stated. “They are Jandor’s people. We’ve always known their loyalty was elsewhere.”

 

Among those who officially left the PDP on Monday were Hakeem Amode, the party’s Publicity Secretary in Lagos; Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time deputy governorship candidate; Chief Ola Apena, a former deputy chairman; and several 2023 state House of Assembly candidates.

 

Others who switched allegiance include Prince Rufus Adeniyi, former Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West), and Mr. Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former House of Representatives candidate in Surulere.

 

Despite the high-profile nature of the defections, the Lagos PDP maintains it has moved forward and remains focused on rebuilding. “The party has long moved on without them,” Olalemi reaffirmed.