The Lagos Peoples Democratic Party yesterday unveiled its candidates in the July 12 local government election.

However, hand-written lists obtained by The Nation show that the opposition party will be fielding candidates in on;y 20 local governments.

Party leaders, led by the former National Deputy Chairman, Chief Olabode George, presented party flags to 19 local government chairmanship candidates at an event held in his house.

At the event, where the party Chairman, Phillip Aivoji, was absent, George, who admitted to fractION within the party, urged the candidates to engage in extensive campaigns.

The party leader, who dismissed insinuations that the PDP was dead in state, said his party will give the ruling party a serious political contest in the poll.

He said: “The essence of this gathering is to convince the Lagos electorate that Lagos PDP is still alive and bubbling.

“This became necessary to counter the rumour in some quarters that the Lagos PDP is dead.

“How can an Iroko tree die?” George queried. He added: “That’s impossible!”.

The leader, who faulted the Federal Government’s economic policies, urged candidates for the poll to be courageous and prepare impactful service to the people.

“To you candidates, don’t be afraid to tell the electorate the truth. Be courageous because you’re serving the Almighty God whose service you’re doing.

“Please, be strong enough and convince the electorates. I will join you to campaign as much as possible.”

“Declare your intentions and programmes to the electorates, while pointing out the inadequacies of the ruling party,” George counselled.

George told the candidates to put God before them, assured that the state chapter will resolve its crisis before the end of June.

He urged the Lagos State Independent State Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to be fair, saying any manipulation would be resisted.

George added: “As you go out, put the Almighty God before you. He’ll lead you there. Even if they manipulate the results, let vibrations wake up Lagos.

“There’s no organisation in the world where they’ll not have one crisis or the other.

“But, your ability to manage those crises will help you to move further in life.

“I want to tell our boys that before the end of this month, we will resolve the internal crisis in our party.”

He commended the local government party chairmen for their commitment and dedication to the party, holding forth in the face of challenges.

He called on the candidates and party members to shun tribalism and religion as they go about campaigning for votes.

While calling on the electorate to vote PDP candidates, George said his party was ready to reinvigorate the wheel of governance if given the chance to govern.

Vice Chairman, PDP Lagos, Chief Sunday Olaifa, presented party flags to Agege, Alimosho, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikeja, Kosofe, Mushin, Ikorodu, Oshodi-Isolo, Ojo, Somolu, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland and Surulere councils. (THE NATION)