The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr Olajide Adediran, popularly called Jandor, has announced Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele as his running mate for the 2023 general elections.
Adediran unveiled the Lagos-born actress on Tuesday as the duo staged a rally alongside supporters across the streets in the Ikorodu area of the state.
Making the announcement also in a series of tweets, he explained that he took the decision based on a clear understanding of the task ahead and the need to work with a co-visionary who shared the same passion with him, calling on Lagosians to work with them.
Part of his tweets read, “I appeal to the entire populace to work with me and my running mate, who will add more value to my candidacy. My choice of running mate is from the clear understanding of the task ahead and the need to work with a co-visionary with shared passion for the emancipation of the good
“This journey demands focus, resilience and tenacity. My running mate is someone who is large-hearted with a well-known history of service and advocacy. An Ikorodu born success story who has, through several of her projects, positively transformed our society.
“I am proud to present Barrister Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele as my running mate and the Deputy Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Lagos for the 2023 general elections. Together, we will serve and offer you a breath of fresh air.”
The actress, also known as ‘Jenifa’, confirmed her position as Adediran’s running mate via a video she shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday.
While expressing delight in the ticket, Akindele said her decision to join Adediran was a huge sacrifice, adding that she has suspended her acting carreer of 14 years in order to bring positive change to Lagos residents.
“I’m a Lagosian born out of Ikorodu, so when the PDP gubernatorial candidate asked me to be his running mate as deputy governor in next year’s election, I saw it as an opportunity to help liberate and improve the welfare of our people, particularly the deprived youth, women and the girl child,” she said.
“In addition to accepting this enormous responsibility, I have made the decision to work tirelessly and support Jandor in his unquenchable desire to see our beloved Lagos reach its full potential.
“I am not unaware of the cost of this assignment on my vibrant career, which I now must inevitably put on hold. That is a significant personal sacrifice.
“I’ve made up my mind that no sacrifice is too great for the successful completion of the urgent mission to save our citizens and our beloved state.”
Recall that about a week ago, a photo of Adediran and Akindele had surfaced and gone viral on social media, with unconfirmed speculations in some quarters that the PDP governorship candidate have chosen her as his running mate.
Akindele’s unveiling as the Lagos State PDP deputy governorship candidate, however, will put to rest days of speculations about her candidacy.
