By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday formally welcomed Hon. Ayodeji Da-Silva following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a ceremony held in the Amuwo/Festac axis of the state.
The reception drew party leaders and stakeholders, who described the development as a boost to the APC’s grassroots mobilisation in the constituency.
Representing the Lagos State APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, members of the state executive council officially received Da-Silva into the party and presented him with the APC flag.
The Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Lanre Sanusi, also welcomed the new entrant, describing his defection as timely and politically strategic, while assuring residents of continued developmental projects in the area.
Speaking after his induction, Da-Silva said his move marked a return to his “political home,” pledging to mobilise support across all 14 wards in the constituency and merge his existing political structures into the APC.
Former Minister and Senator, Musiliu Obanikoro, described the defection as a major gain for the party, noting that Da-Silva’s entry would strengthen APC’s electoral prospects in future contests.
Obanikoro also defended the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, highlighting ongoing reforms in education, agriculture, and healthcare, while stressing Lagos State’s continued role as Nigeria’s economic hub.
He, however, urged patience regarding Da-Silva’s political integration within the party, noting that internal processes would determine his future roles.
