Lagos: PDP Jettisons Concensus, As Aivoji Emerges Chairman; Will Wrestle Power From APC

By Akinwale Kasali

After a highly contested election, Phillip Aivoji has emerged as the new Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman.

Aivoji, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, was declared winner of the election by Bayelsa State Governor, Diri Duoye, who was the Electoral Umpire for the Party’s election held on Sunday.

The Badagry Local Government, Lagos State born Aivoji polled 839 votes to defeat his closest rival Amos Fawole who scored 816 votes.

Announcing Aivoji as the winner of the election, Governor Diri said the election was free and fair, and there was a level playing field for all contestants.

The outcome of the election saw delegates jettisoning the consensus arrangement earlier adopted by the party which would have produced Fawole.

Announcing the results Governor Diri said six candidates contested the Chairmanship including Aivoji, Fawole; Dr  Adetokunbo Pearse, King Okuneye; Niyi Adams and Dr. Abiodun Adebiyi.

Okuneye scored 56 votes; Adams polled 29 votes while Pearse and Adebiyi scored zero votes each.

Douye added: “I will like to use this opportunity to appreciate members of the PDP, Lagos State Chapter. The PDP is one and the same, this is a family election. I believe there is no winner, the winner is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In his victory speech, Aivoji expressed willingness to work with all the PDP leaders to change the fortunes of the party and prepare it for 2023 electoral victory, and also wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Other elected members included Benedict Tai (Deputy Chairman), Mr Soji Orioye (Secretary); Mrs Idowu Akinsanya (Women Leader); Mr Hakeem Amodu (Publicity Secretary), among others.