Lagos 2027: SDP’s Olaniyi-Ferrari Builds New Alliances As PDP Factional Leaders Declare Support

The 2027 Lagos State governorship race is generating new political alignments, with factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and representatives of strategic groups declaring support for Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Mr Femi Olaniyi-Ferrari.

The declaration followed a strategic meeting in Lagos on Friday, where participants discussed their political interests, grassroots mobilisation and governance expectations.

Those who pledged support included Mr Shem Enoch, former Director-General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council in Lagos State; Mrs Oluwasayo Adeshina, Lagos Mobilisation Director for the Women Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Head of Good Women; Mrs Monica Umunakwe, Lagos State Coordinator of Women for Obi/Kwankwaso during the 2023 election; Mr Mike Ugoeke, head of a strategic team operating across the state’s 20 local government areas; and Mr Peter Ayomo, a former PDP Media Director.

Their decision followed concerns about their experiences within the PDP, including what they described as inadequate recognition of their mobilisation efforts and limited opportunities to participate in leadership and governance discussions.

Enoch said the decision followed consultations on the political direction they believed Lagos should take.

“Our decision is based on our engagement with Olaniyi-Ferrari and our desire to support a political direction that gives stakeholders opportunities to contribute meaningfully to governance and community development,” he said.

Adeshina said her decision was influenced by what she alleged was poor treatment of her and other women leaders by the PDP governorship candidate. She said women who invested time and resources in political activities expected respect and inclusion in leadership discussions.

“Our structures and contributions should not be taken for granted,” she said, expressing hope that engagement with Olaniyi-Ferrari would advance women’s participation and representation.

She identified economic empowerment, education, healthcare and family welfare as priorities for women leaders.

Umunakwe similarly expressed dissatisfaction with what she described as the PDP candidate’s lack of readiness to work with her group.

“We have women across different communities who are ready to participate in the political process and contribute to development,” she said. “What we expect from political leadership is a willingness to work with us, listen to our concerns and recognise the value of our structures.”

She called for peaceful, issue-based political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections and said women should have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their families, livelihoods, education and economic well-being.

Grassroots Mobilisation Takes Centre Stage

Ugoeke, whose strategic team covers the state’s 20 local government areas, said candidates needed to maintain regular communication with supporters and address residents’ concerns.

“Our position is that political engagement should go beyond mobilisation,” he said.

He added that his group was engaging with Olaniyi-Ferrari to understand his plans and assess how his proposed programmes could meet residents’ expectations across Lagos.

Ayomo also emphasised communication, accountability and sustained engagement between political leaders and supporters. He said political organisations must clearly communicate their programmes and maintain constructive relationships with constituents.

Olaniyi-Ferrari Outlines Governance Priorities

Olaniyi-Ferrari welcomed the declarations and said his ambition was driven by a desire to promote inclusive development, improve public services and expand economic opportunities across Lagos.

“The future of Lagos requires a governance approach that gives attention to the needs of residents, strengthens public services and creates opportunities for young people, women and businesses,” he said.

He said consultations with political stakeholders and grassroots groups would help identify residents’ concerns and shape policy priorities. His proposed agenda focuses on infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, basic amenities and economic empowerment.

Olaniyi-Ferrari said he would pursue sustainable development and improve access to essential services if elected. He also pledged sustained engagement with community leaders, women, young people, professionals and political groups.

A New Political Conversation Ahead of 2027

The meeting reflects Olaniyi-Ferrari’s effort to build support among political stakeholders and grassroots groups as parties prepare for the 2027 governorship election.

Participants focused on recognition, inclusion and opportunities to influence governance, while women leaders stressed representation and policies affecting families and communities.

Whether the alignment will develop into a broader movement remains uncertain. For now, it gives the SDP candidate an opportunity to deepen engagement with groups seeking a greater role in political mobilisation and decision-making.

As the election approaches, candidates’ ability to engage stakeholders, present credible policies and respond to residents’ concerns will remain central to Lagos’s political debate.