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Lagos PDP plans for local council polls
By Kodilinye Obiagwu
THE Minister of Works, Adeseye Ogunlewe, who is fast becoming an issue in the politics of Lagos State at the weekend charged leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos to foster unity and eschew attempts to create factions in the party.
Speaking at the inauguration of leaders of the Lagos East Senatorial District Forum as part of structure for the management of the party, he said that henceforth "we are in the PDP for party activism and should not worship any arrow-head including myself. Don't worship me at all."
The PDP Women Leader, Chief (Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi, who was at the inauguration told The Guardian that every issue on the problem of leadership of the party in the state has been resolved. She said: "The basic thing is for those there now to recognise those who were there before them. The success of the party in the state is a collective issue and not to the glory of any individual."
Ogunlewe noted the problem of factions and arrow-heads in the past were no more relevant as the party should now be the centre of action and interest to all members of the party.
In a statement by the party, the minister told the people that they should prepare for fresh local council polls in the state "two months time."
On the possibility of another council polls in the state, Oshodi said that, "we are looking forward to it. We are preparing for it because no election has been held in the state, if we were to follow the due process. We did not participate in the last one, which was illegal. If the state is ready to revert to the old legal 20 council structure, then there has to be fresh elections. The election held in the 57 councils was illegal. If the governor and the AD understand that and address the issues, then we shall go back and hold an election."
The senatorial district forums in the state as part of the structure of the state PDP will function with a team of a chairman, secretary, woman leader, youth leader, organising secretary and treasurer, according to Ogunlewe.
According to the statement signed by the party's press officer, Tony Olutomiwa, "it is expected to leverage on the challenges of mobilisation ahead of future elections."
On why the PDP was sounding desperate to take over Lagos in 2007, the Women leader said, "the state cannot afford to be in the opposition with the party at the centre. The state governor is confrontational and the state will be the better for it when the PDP takes over.
Ahead of future elections in the state, Ogunlewe outlined the modalities for picking candidates. He said the party would be discerning in the choice of its candidates. "It is only those who have excelled in their good work and mobilisation for the party and are so recognised in their localities that would be given the opportunities to fly the party's banners in future election. The party will resort to old tradition of picking reliable candidates who will represent the party and its interest effectively," the minister said.
The Secretary of the state chapter of the party, Chief Olawale Mogaji in his address acknowledged the pioneering role of the Lagos East Senatorial District in the formation of state PDP and its electoral strength at elections. Mogaji noted that the problem of inadequate funding, reorganisation of the party structure and mobilisation drive ahead of future elections and called for concerted efforts to make a difference.
Other leaders at the inauguration include Alhaji Lanre Rasak, the party's gubernatorial candidate in 2003 polls, Engr. Funso Williams, Chief Rasheed Williams, Chief (Mrs) Aduke Maina, Onikepo Oshodi and former state chairman, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun.
The former chairman said he was satisfied with the developments and appeal to all members to work in unison. "What we need now is unity of purpose," he said.
At the event, some new members were formally presented to the party. They are Dotun Animashaun, member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sesan Olanrewaju, Hon. A. Ogunlaja and Mrs. Kolejo. They were former AD chieftains in the state. While welcoming the new comers as members of PDP, Ogunlewe noted that the inflow of new members would necessitate that a hand of fellowship is extended to them both in terms of positions in party structure as well as elective positions.
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