By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State is facing major setbacks, with a wave of defections by key stakeholders threatening its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Once regarded as a dominant force in the area, the party has seen some of its most influential leaders and financiers walk away, citing strategic interests and realignments.
Among the latest high-profile defections is Honourable Ola Apena, a former Deputy State Chairman of the PDP, who recently rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC). This marks his second return to the ruling party.
In another significant move, Honourable Rahman Owokoniran, a major financier of the PDP in Kosofe and former South West Zonal Secretary of the party, officially announced his switch to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as a “preferred platform” for the 2027 race.
Other prominent PDP figures who had earlier defected to the APC include Honourable Kafilat Ogbara, the current lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. She joined the APC shortly after former President Goodluck Jonathan’s loss in 2015.
Also on the list is Honourable Moyosore Ogunlewe, current Chairman of Kosofe Local Government and former PDP candidate for Kosofe Constituency 1. Ogunlewe pitched his tent with the APC after losing the 2019 election.
Sherifat Hassan, a former PDP House of Representatives aspirant, and her husband, are also among those who have exited the party in recent years.
Several other influential PDP members are reported to have joined other political platforms or now remain politically unaffiliated.
The string of defections and a dismal showing in the 2021 general elections—where the PDP finished fourth behind the APC, Labour Party, and SDP—have raised questions over the party’s viability as an opposition force in Kosofe. Analysts say the emergence of newer platforms such as the ADC further weakens PDP’s grip on local politics.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, observers believe the PDP must rebuild trust, reorganise its structure, and reconnect with grassroots supporters if it hopes to remain relevant in Kosofe’s shifting political terrain.
