News Investigators/ The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday unveiled Khadijat Bello as the running mate to its 2027 governorship candidate, Adedeji Doherty.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Bello, a technocrat-turned-politician, was presented to party members and leaders at a ceremony in Ikeja.
The party also presented Certificates of Return to its candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly elections.
It equally inaugurated its Independent Campaign Council and Lagos PDP Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Unveiling Mrs Bello, the Lagos PDP Chairman, Mr Muka Popoola, described her as intelligent, service-oriented and passionate about the welfare of the people.
“We indeed have a worthy and credible running mate for our governorship candidate. Victory is assured for Lagos PDP in 2027. We thank everyone for dedication and commitment,” Popoola said.
He said Mr Bello would complement Mr Doherty in delivering the party’s vision, while commending the national and state leadership for supporting the Lagos chapter.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Bello thanked the party leadership for finding her worthy of the nomination.
“I assure you that I will be a dependable partner in teamwork. This nomination is not a personal achievement; it is a shared victory for service to the people,” she said.
She urged members to set aside their differences, saying the party could overcome every challenge through unity and collective commitment.
Mr Doherty described Mrs Bello as an accomplished and capable woman who would join him in rebuilding Lagos through responsible, people-oriented leadership.
“Today is an occasion to unveil our team and present the foundation of our Service Agenda for Lagos people.
“After more than two decades of one-party dominance, Lagos residents are eager for governance built on competence, accountability, inclusiveness and quality service delivery.
“Millions of Lagos residents are looking up to us to provide credible leadership and a refreshing vision for the future of our state,” Mr Doherty said.
He urged all PDP candidates to justify the confidence reposed in them through discipline, humility and commitment to the party goal victory in 2027.
Mr Doherty announced Pastor Shem Enoch as Director-General of the Doherty/Bello Independent Campaign Council and Mr Hakeem Olalemi as Director-General of the Lagos PDP Campaign Council.
“I am confident these accomplished leaders will provide the strategic direction needed to lead our party to victory. All we ask is your prayers and unwavering support,” he said.
Mr Doherty appreciated the party’s national and state leadership, particularly commending Popoola for promoting peace, stability and renewed growth within the Lagos chapter.
He appealed to former PDP members now in other political parties, including the APC, Accord Party and Labour Party, to return to the party.
“Let us reunite, work together and rebuild our great party for the benefit of Lagos State. Together, we can provide the leadership Lagos truly deserves,” he said.
Mr Doherty assured residents that the PDP would prosecute an issue-based campaign centred on practical solutions to challenges confronting the state.
“Our campaign will be issue-based, responsible and focused on what we can genuinely deliver for the people,” he said.
The PDP South-West Secretary, Mr Wale Omotade, described Mr Doherty as a committed leader with the capacity to govern Lagos.
“We are coming by May 29, 2027. We are coming for the inauguration of Adedeji as the next governor of the state,” Omotade said.
Mr Enoch pledged to mobilise support across Lagos, while Mr Olalemi promised to work with stakeholders to secure victory for the PDP in the 2027 governorship election.
NAN reports that the event attracted party leaders and members from the 20 local government areas of the state and the PDP South-West zone.
NAN
