Lagos PDP factional leaders back SDP’s Olaniyi-Ferrari as groups switched allegiance
The 2027 Lagos State governorship race is generating new political alignments, with factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and representatives of strategic groups declaring support for Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Mr Femi Olaniyi-Ferrari.
The declaration followed a strategic meeting in Lagos on Friday, where participants discussed their political interests, grassroots mobilisation and governance expectations.
Those who pledged support included Mr Shem Enoch, former Director-General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council in Lagos State; Mrs Oluwasayo Adeshina, Lagos Mobilisation Director for the Women Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Head of Good Women; Mrs Monica Umunakwe, Lagos State Coordinator of Women for Obi/Kwankwaso during the 2023 election; Mr Mike Ugoeke, head of a strategic team operating across the state’s 20 local government areas; and Mr Peter Ayomo, a former PDP Media Director.
Their decision followed concerns about their experiences within the PDP, including what they described as inadequate recognition of their mobilisation efforts and limited opportunities to participate in leadership and governance discussions.
Enoch said the decision followed consultations on the political direction they believed Lagos should take.
“Our decision is based on our engagement with Olaniyi-Ferrari and our desire to support a political direction that gives stakeholders opportunities to contribute meaningfully to governance and community development,” he said.
Adeshina said her decision was influenced by what she alleged was poor treatment of her and other women leaders by the PDP governorship candidate. She said women who invested time and resources in political activities expected respect and inclusion in leadership discussions.
“Our structures and contributions should not be taken for granted,” she said, expressing hope that engagement with Olaniyi-Ferrari would advance women’s participation and representation.
Ugoeke, whose strategic team covers the state’s 20 local government areas, said candidates needed to maintain regular communication with supporters and address residents’ concerns.
Olaniyi-Ferrari welcomed the declarations and said his ambition was driven by a desire to promote inclusive development, improve public services and expand economic opportunities across Lagos, adding “The future of Lagos requires a governance approach that gives attention to the needs of residents, strengthens public services and creates opportunities for young people, women and businesses”.
He said consultations with political stakeholders and grassroots groups would help identify residents’ concerns and shape policy priorities. His proposed agenda focuses on infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, basic amenities and economic empowerment.
Olaniyi-Ferrari said he would pursue sustainable development and improve access to essential services if elected. He also pledged sustained engagement with community leaders, women, young people, professionals and political groups.
As the election approaches, candidates’ ability to engage stakeholders, present credible policies and respond to residents’ concerns will remain central to Lagos’s political debate.
