Funke Akindele, popular Nollywood actress and 2023 running mate to Lagos PDP governorship candidate, Olajide Adediran, says the need to bring positive change to women, youth and children inform her acceptance.
Akindele, who was unveiled by the Lagos state PDP on Tuesday at a carnival-like event that had the party’s candidates, leaders and members in attendance at Ikorodu, said her decision to join Adediran, popularly known as ‘Jandor’ was a huge sacrifice.
While expressing delight in the ticket, Akindele said she had abandoned her passion and career of 14 years in order to bring positive change to Lagos residents.
“Jandor has sacrificed a lot talking about young people passionately for over seven years to plan this project, abandoning his business to make a change in the state.
“So, I am going to put aside my career now, I am coming out for the women and the youths. We have talents in Nigeria; we need to explore what we have.
“We have both made sacrifices to join politics to bring positive changes to the people of Ikorodu and the state. We should build a state where our children can live rather than running and staying abroad.
“I am joining Jandor to bring a breath of fresh air to Ikorodu and Lagos,” she said.
Akindele, who noted that she initially ran away when nominated for the ticket, said God and the people promised to be behind her.
“I answered the call. We are the owners of Lagos, we will vote, win and govern the state.
Read also: Funke Akindele emerges running mate to Lagos PDP guber candidate
“For the women, I am going there for you. For the youths and the children, I am there for you. We can do a lot for this state and country and make things work.
“We are youths, we can run, we have energy to fix Lagos State. For my Ikorodu people, I thank you, I will not put you to shame. PDP is taking over,” she added.
Akindele said she joined the race to help tackle infrastructural, health system and standard of education challenges in the state.
Presenting the flag of the party to Akindele, Philip Aivoji, the Lagos PDP chairman, said it was time for the PDP to take over leadership in the state.
“When the time of a thing has come, no one can cover it. By the power of God, we have come to light up Ikorodu and all parts of Lagos state.
“By the grace of God, victory is ours and it is certain in 2023,” Aivoji said.
He expressed hope that Adediran-Akindele’s ticket would rule the state for four years and when residents see their performance, they would not hesitate to re-elect them for another term.
Speaking, Adediran, the 44-year-old PDP candidate said that his running mate was his age mate with passion to improve the condition of lives of residents.
Adediran said both of them were already accomplished in their careers and had managed businesses and human beings before agreeing to bring a positive change to the people of the state.
“We have brought a breath of fresh air to the people of Lagos. My deputy is a brand that will connect to both the grassroots and the people in the cyberspace.
“Formally, I want to present to you what we have Christened a Breath of Fresh Air. It is a clear departure from the norm,” Adediran said.
The unveiling of the star actress witnessed a huge turnout of PDP stalwarts and members notwithstanding the persistent rainfall.
