By Idris Olukoya

Lagos, Oct. 23, 2026 (NAN) Some factional leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State and representatives of strategic groups have declared support for Mr Femi Olaniyi-Ferrari, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The declaration followed a strategic meeting between the SDP governorship candidate and representatives of the groups, held in Lagos, on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the participants included Mr Shem Enoch, former Director-General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council in Lagos State; Mrs Oluwasayo Adeshina, Lagos Mobilisation Director for Women Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) and Head of Good Women.

Others include; Mrs Monica Umunakwe, Lagos State Coordinator of Women for Obi/Kwankwaso in 2023 and a women leader integrated into the PDP, Mr Mike Ugoeke, head of the 20 local government areas strategic groups, and Mr Peter Ayomo, former PDP Media Director.

Mr Shem Enoch, former Director-General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council in Lagos State, said the decision to support the SDP candidate followed consultations and discussions about the political direction they believed Lagos State should take.

He said their engagement with the SDP gubernatorial candidate offered an opportunity to explore an alternative political platform and discuss governance priorities ahead of the 2027 election.

“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.

Enoch added that political leaders and grassroots organisations deserved meaningful engagement and recognition for their contributions to political mobilisation.

Mrs Oluwasayo Adeshina, Lagos Mobilisation Director for Women Christians Association of Nigeria(CAN) and Head of Good Women, said her experience as Lagos Mobilisation Director for Women CAN and Head of Good Women had reinforced the importance of recognising the contributions of women and their grassroots structures to political activities.

She alleged that she and other women leaders in her group had been poorly treated by the PDP governorship candidate, a development she said contributed to their reconsideration of their political alignment.

Oluwasayo said women who invested their time and resources in political mobilisation expected to be treated with respect and included in meaningful discussions about leadership and governance.

“Women play a significant role in grassroots mobilisation, political participation and community development.

“Our structures and contributions should not be taken for granted.

“We believe that our engagement with Olaniyi-Ferrari provides an opportunity to discuss our expectations and explore a political platform where women’s participation and contributions receive appropriate recognition,” she said.

She added that women leaders wanted to participate in shaping policies that addressed economic empowerment, education, healthcare and the welfare of families across Lagos State.

Mrs Monica Umunakwe, Lagos State Coordinator of Women for Obi/Kwankwaso in 2023 election and a women leader integrated into the PDP, said political participation should be supported by genuine engagement and a willingness to work with stakeholders.

She expressed dissatisfaction with what she described as the PDP governorship candidate’s lack of readiness to work with her group, saying the experience had prompted a reassessment of their political options.

Umunakwe said the decision to engage with Olaniyi-Ferrari was informed by the need to explore opportunities for women to contribute more effectively to political mobilisation and governance.

“We have women across different communities who are ready to participate in the political process and contribute to development.

“What we expect from political leadership is a willingness to work with us, listen to our concerns and recognise the value of our structures.

“Our engagement with Olaniyi-Ferrari provides an opportunity to discuss these expectations and examine his vision for inclusive governance,” she said.

She said that women should have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their families, livelihoods, education and economic well-being.

Umunakwe called for peaceful political participation and issue-based discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Mike Ugoeke, head of the 20 local government areas strategic team, said grassroots structures remained important to political mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.

He said political candidates needed to maintain regular communication with their supporters and demonstrate a willingness to address issues affecting residents.

“Our position is that political engagement should go beyond mobilisation.

“Those who work at the grassroots level should have opportunities to contribute ideas and participate in discussions about governance.

“We are engaging with Olaniyi-Ferrari to understand his plans and determine how his proposed programmes could address the expectations of residents across Lagos State,” he said.

Mr Peter Ayomo, former PDP Media Director, said communication, stakeholder engagement and accountability were important elements of political leadership.

He said the meeting with Olaniyi-Ferrari provided an opportunity to exchange views on the political situation in Lagos and the expectations of residents ahead of the next governorship election.

Ayomo added that political organisations needed to communicate their programmes clearly and maintain constructive relationships with their supporters.

In his response, Mr Femi Olaniyi-Ferrari, the SDP gubernatorial candidate, welcomed the participants and said that his governorship ambition was driven by the desire to promote development, inclusiveness, improve public services and expand economic opportunities across Lagos State.

He said engagement with political stakeholders and grassroots groups would help identify residents’ concerns and inform discussions about policy priorities.

“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.

“My vision is to contribute to transforming Lagos into a megacity distinguished not only by its infrastructure and economic activities but also by the welfare and quality of life of its people,” he said.

Olaniyi-Ferrari identified infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, access to basic amenities and economic empowerment as priority areas in his proposed development agenda.

He said his administration, if elected, would seek to promote sustainable development and improve residents’ access to essential services.

The SDP candidate also emphasised the importance of sustained engagement with community leaders, women, young people, professionals and political groups in shaping policies that reflected the aspirations of Lagos residents.(NAN).(www.nanmews.ng).

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