By A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, Babatunde Gbadamosi has asked Lagosians to purchase the governorship nomination forms of the Labour Party (LP) for him ahead of the 2023 elections.
Gbadamosi was the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the 2019 elections. After rejoining the PDP, he became the party’s candidate in the October 2020 Lagos-East Senatorial District bye-election, but lost to Tokunbo Abiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement on Thursday, the Ikorodu-born politician disclosed that many Lagosians in the last few months have urged him to contest for the governorship seat under the LP, citing the strong support the party has garnered from young Nigerians on social media because of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He, however, said he doesn’t have the financial resources to join the race, even if the odds seem to favour the party, adding that only Lagosians can rescue themselves from the APC.
Gbadamosi wrote, “While it is true that Lagos needs rescuing from the clutches of those who have turned it into their ATM, it is true too that because of their looting of that ATM, the effort will be an uphill task that will require immense resources, from my personal experience.
“At this point in time, having almost single-handedly contested two major elections back-to-back within two years in 2019 and 2020 (Gubernatorial and Senatorial bye-election), I’m afraid I’m all tapped out.
“I simply do not have the resources to engage in another electoral adventure, even if the odds seem to favour Labour Party, provided they can present a solid, politically credible, articulate, knowledgeable, experienced & courageous candidate in Lagos right now.
“My past political forays have taught me one thing – you cannot rescue people who are not interested in being rescued. The only way I can believe Lagosians are ready for true freedom from the Jagajagabandits is when I see true commitment.
“I am told the Labour Party Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms cost ₦15m, and there is a fee for waiver, that could bring the total to up to 20m. INEC deadline for final substitution of Gubernatorial candidates is August 12th, 2022.
“If truly, you’re interested in getting me to run, it is time to put your money where your mouth is, and go get me the Labour party form, because honestly, I really no get shishi to give.”
Meanwhile, the Labour Party in Lagos State is currently battling with a leadership crisis as three governorship candidates have emerged in the last couple of months.
Though a former Lagos PDP chairman, Moshood Salvador had been unveiled as the party’s guber candidate, another politician, Ifagbemi Awamaridi recently insisted that he remains the authentic chairman of the Lagos LP and its guber candidate.
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who recently joined the party from the PDP, had also claimed he is the party’s governorship candidate for the 2023 elections.
