The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate for Lagos State, Abdul‑Azeez Adediran—also known as Jandor—asserted that Igbo residents deserve respect and protection for their substantial contributions to the state’s development. Speaking alongside his running mate, Funke Akindele, and other PDP leaders, Adediran addressed an Igbo group, Ndigbo Na Lagos Bu Otu, at a town‑hall meeting in Surulere on Sunday.
He said, “Whenever I have the opportunity to speak with our brothers and sisters of Igbo extraction in Lagos, I always make sure to express our appreciation. Lagosians of the first order understand that Igbo people have contributed immensely to our prosperity. Your investments in major markets such as Aspanda, Ladipo, Trade Fair, Alaba International Market, and every Igbo‑dominated market have been pivotal in making Lagos the richest state in Nigeria today. It is incumbent upon every sensible Lagosian to protect and respect those who add to our prosperity, yet the reality in Lagos today falls short of that ideal.”
Adediran pledged that, if elected, he would treat Igbos and all other ethnic groups with respect, safeguard them, and create an enabling environment for their businesses to thrive. He promised to end harassment, intimidation, and exploitation in the state. Confident of winning the March 11 governorship election, he urged people to vote en masse without fear of intimidation, stating, “You have no problem with me. I will continue to fight for you.”
Akindele praised the Igbos for recognizing and supporting the PDP candidate. Confident that the PDP would win, she encouraged the group to work harder and influence others to vote for Adediran. “Jandor is a man of action; with him as governor, you will see change in the state. Lagos is for you—whether Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, or any tribe. We are ready to bring that change and will not disappoint you.” She called on the Ndigbo to vote, prevent rigging, and protect their ballots.
Chief Ernest Chukwujekwu, president of the group, described Adediran as “our own brother” because he identifies with the NdIgbo cause in Lagos. “Some of us worked for Peter Obi in the February 25 presidential election because we recognized his capabilities, and that support has now shifted. We need another capable hand in Lagos—one who can support our businesses. Many of us are suffering due to problems at our places of work. We have decided to support our brother, Jandor,” he said.
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