By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In what many describe as a bold move to reclaim political relevance in Lagos State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Eti-Osa Local Government Area has officially endorsed Hon. Kazeem Olanrewaju Ganiyu, popularly known as “Onipako,” as its flagbearer for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12, 2025.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) will supervise the elections, which many political observers see as a litmus test for the PDP’s grassroots influence in the state, especially in a traditionally All Progressives Congress (APC)-dominated stronghold like Eti-Osa.
Ganiyu, a long-time party loyalist and resident of Jakande Housing Estate in Ward E, Lekki, was unanimously chosen by PDP stakeholders in what sources described as a strategic attempt to field a “homegrown” candidate.
In a phone interview with The Merit Newspaper, Ganiyu expressed confidence in his selection and the democratic process that led to it.
“It was due to my participation in the party and the agreement of my leaders that led to my victory,” he stated, suggesting that internal loyalty may have played a more significant role than a competitive primary process.
The endorsement, however, has not come without its fair share of controversy. Critics argue that PDP’s internal consensus may have sidelined other qualified aspirants and stifled intra-party democracy.
But Ganiyu remains focused on his vision.
“As the incoming Eti-Osa LGA Chairman, insha-Allah, I will advise the electorate to come out en masse on election day to perform their civic right and vote for their choice candidate,” he said.
While his optimism is admirable, questions are already being raised about whether his promises are realistic or simply another campaign rhetoric. Ganiyu listed several ambitious programs as part of his agenda, including youth empowerment, widow support schemes, care for the elderly, and regular constituency meetings.
“If I am duly elected as the next chairman, first and foremost, regular constituency meetings will be held from time to time. I will ensure every member of my party is carried along. The people of Eti-Osa will benefit from the dividends of democracy—the youth empowerment program, the widow exercise, our aged parents will be taken care of, our wives, and even volunteers will receive proper attention. May God help me through,” he passionately declared.
Political analysts, however, warn that such sweeping promises often evaporate once candidates assume office.
“There’s a history of local government chairmen making grand promises before elections only to blame budget constraints afterward,” said Mr. Williams Salami, a public policy commentator based in Lekki.
Ganiyu’s challenge lies not only in defeating rival party candidates but also in overcoming public cynicism toward local government administration, which many Lagosians view as inactive and underfunded.
Still, PDP insiders remain hopeful.
“Onipako is a man of the people. He has lived among us and understands our pains. He may be the shake-up Eti-Osa politics needs,” said Mrs. Aishat Balogun, a PDP woman leader in the community.
As the countdown to July 12 begins, Eti-Osa voters will soon decide whether Ganiyu’s candidacy represents genuine change—or just another episode in Lagos’s revolving door of grassroots politics.
