Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olajide Adediran has said his choice of actress Funke Akindele as running mate was strategic to his party’s chances.
Adediran, who featured yesterday on the Channels Television programme ‘Politics Today’ said: “People call her an actress, but I’ll say I picked a lawyer who finds joy in acting. My running mate is a film maker, who has been an employer of labour for the past 14 years and somebody who has huge followership.
“I believe she will add value to my chances of winning the election, which is the primary reason of any political party. I have chosen somebody who will bring fresh breadth in Lagos. Both of us are 44 years old, and we don’t need any third approval before we go ahead to do things for the people of Lagos. My running mate is an Ikorodu born.
“Funke Akindele has huge following on the cyber space. We have some structure already. In our group, we have some politicians who understand the nitty-gritty of the political game. This is no joke because our movement in grass-rooted.”
Adediran, who also confirmed Akindele’s candidacy on Twitter, noted that the actress will add more value to his candidacy in the 2023 general elections.
He said: “I appeal to the entire populace to work with me and my running mate, who will add more value to my candidacy. My choice running mate is from the clear understanding of the task ahead, and the need to work with a co-visionary with shared passion for the emancipation of the good people of Lagos.
“This journey demands focus, resilience and tenacity. My running mate is someone who is large-hearted with a well-known history of service and advocacy.
“An Ikorodu-born success story who has, through several of her projects, positively transformed our society. I am proud to present Barrister Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele as my running mate and Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos for the 2023 general elections. Together, we will serve and offer you a breath of fresh air.”
Akindele, in a video on her verified Instagram page yesterday, said she is suspending her acting career to take on her new assignment, which she described as a ‘sacrifice to rescue the people of Lagos State’.
She said: “I see it as an opportunity to help liberate and improve the wellbeing of our people, particularly the deprived youth, women and the girl-child. My decision is not just to accept this huge responsibility, but to also work tirelessly and complement Jandor’s burning desire to see our dear Lagos live up to its full potentials.
“I am not unaware of the cost of this assignment on my vibrant career, which I must now necessarily put on hold. It’s a huge personal sacrifice. My resolve is that no sacrifice is too huge for the actualisation of the urgent mission to rescue our people and our dear state.”
Some celebrities have congratulated and wished Akindele well. They congratulated and celebrated her in the comment section of her post.
Veteran actress Joke Silva wrote ‘Well Done Girl’. Dakore Egbuson said: ‘Congratulations my sister. May God grant you wisdom in this new endeavour’ while Juliet Ibrahim wrote: ‘Queen Congratulations. #WomenLeaders #WomenInPolitics’.
Veteran actress Shan George also took to the comment section, saying, ‘I find this truly awesome, the joy I feel right now is making my eyes teary. Yes I Believe’, while popular digital creator, Eni Adeoluwa, wrote ‘women in politics towards representation and empowerment. Well done, Queen!’.