The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State on Tuesday rolled out a warm welcome for Hon. Ayodeji Da-Silva following his official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
The event, held in the Amuwo/Festac political constituency, drew party leaders and stakeholders who described the move as a significant boost to APC’s grassroots strength.
Representing the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, members of the party’s executive council led by the state secretary formally received Da-Silva, presenting him with the party’s flag and symbol amid high spirits.
Hosting the event, the Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, popularly known as PLS, also welcomed Da-Silva into the APC fold, describing his defection as timely and strategic.
Sanusi noted that within just a few months in office, residents of Festac and surrounding areas have already begun to experience what he described as the “dividends of democracy,” assuring that more developmental strides are underway.
Speaking after his induction, Da-Silva expressed excitement at returning to what he described as his “true political home.”
“It’s joy and happiness that I’m finally home where I belong. After a long sojourn outside the party, I’m back in APC,” he said.
He pledged to mobilize support across all 14 wards in the constituency, revealing plans to merge his political structures from PDP, ADC, and other platforms into the APC.
“I’m bringing my entire structure with me. Together with existing party frameworks, we will strengthen APC and ensure we win elections at all levels in this local government,” he added.
Also speaking, former Minister, Ambassador, and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro described Da-Silva’s defection as a strategic gain for the party.
“When a politician of his pedigree joins any platform, it is an added value. He didn’t come alone; he came with strong, resourceful individuals. We are blessed to have them,” Obanikoro said.
While noting APC’s status as a “big tent” capable of accommodating diverse interests, Obanikoro emphasized that Da-Silva must now prove his political strength within the party.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. With his coming, we hope to not just win, but win convincingly in future elections,” he stated.
Obanikoro also used the occasion to defend the performance of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting reforms in education, agriculture, and healthcare.
According to him, initiatives such as student loans and investments in food security and public health demonstrate a long-term vision for national development.
“There is time to plant and time to harvest. The President is laying foundations that will position Nigeria among the world’s leading economies,” he said.
He further reaffirmed Lagos State’s dominance as Nigeria’s leading economic hub, attributing it to consistent governance and strategic policy direction.
On Da-Silva’s political future within the party, Obanikoro urged patience, noting that internal party processes would determine the next steps.
“Today is about welcoming him into the family. The rest will unfold in due time,” he concluded.
