The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday said it would welcome Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode into its fold, if he decides to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Taofeek Gani, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Gani spoke following reports that Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, a former Commissioner for Training and Establishments in the state, had been adopted by the APC leaders to succeed Ambode.

The APC chairman in Lagos State, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, had told newsmen on Wednesday that the governorship ticket of the party was open to all aspirants.

NAN reports that the former Commissioner for Works, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, is another aspirant seeking the job of Ambode with Sanwo-Olu.

NAN also reports that all the aspirants have since obtained and submitted their nomination forms.

The PDP spokesman said that the party would be glad to receive Ambode into its fold if he decided to leave APC for whatever reason.

Gani said: “Any forward-looking party would not have rejected its main opponent joining it, especially a big personality like Ambode.

“We are ready to welcome him (Ambode) to our party, if he decides to join for any reason. We are very ready to accept him, if he decides to join us.

“You see PDP is a party for all, so far value will be added. We cannot turn down our opponents, especially a big personality like Ambode.

“Therefore, he is welcome. His joining us will definitely add value and boost our chances to win the state.”

He said the party would accord him all the rights and privileges with the existing members to realise his political ambitions.

NAN reports Chief Deji Doherty and Mr Jimi Agbaje are among those who have picked the PDP nomination forms for the governorship ticket. (NAN)

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