Don’t fall for Bode George’s deceptive endorsement — Lagos PDP tells electorate

The Lagos Peoples Democratic Party PDP has counseled electorates to not fall for Olabode George’s “deceptive endorsement” of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party guber candidate.

In a statement signed by Hakeem Amode, PDP’s publicity secretary, the party said George’s real intention is “to transform into the next godfather in the polity after Bola Tinubu”.

Amode described George’s move as  “derailing and ill motivated against Olajide Adediran, PDP’s governorship candidate in Lagos.

He also urged voters to defeat godfatherism and dictatorship in the March 11 poll.

“The Lagos4Lagos Movement, which is led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), abhors godfatherism and is absolutely unwavering in its commitment to rejecting this parasitic destruction in whatever form it manifests itself,” the statement read.

“Against this backdrop, we wish to distance the PDP standard bearer and the Party in its entirety from the recent purported endorsement of Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour for the governorship of Lagos by Chief Bode George, who has expressed displeasure in JANDOR’s demeanour about godfatherism.

“The good people of Lagos must know that the endorsement of the Labour Party candidate was never in good faith; rather it was made out of sheer desperation by failed politicians to cash in on the growing demand for a new order as well as popular clamour for a breath of fresh air in our dear state.

“From all indications, JANDOR remains the only governorship candidate that will never do the bidding of any godfather. He joined this gubernatorial race to promote worthy causes that would enhance the collective well-being and security of Lagosians and Nigerians in general.

“The PDP candidate is independent-minded and will not cave in to the rapacious desires of reactionary forces. He has proved that he can hold his own on a number of occasions. He maintained his stance during the selection process of his running mate, Olufunke Akindele

“JANDOR has the enviable track record that would always endear him to discerning voters and he should be supported by all genuine lovers of Lagos.

“As Lagosians head to the polls on Saturday, we hereby urge them to be circumspect in exercising their civic responsibility.

“Despite the orchestrated violence, intimidation and threats by the temporary wielders of power in the state, Lagosians trooped out in large numbers to confront the hegemony of godfathers with their votes.

“We make bold to say that the current realities have shown that Lagosians are determined to defeat godfatherism in the 2023 elections.

“There is no wisdom in breaking loose from the Tinubu tyranny and beginning another journey under Bode George’s dictatorship. It is tantamount to jumping from frying pan to fire.”