Hon. Gbenga Oyeniyi Adewale Keshiro, popularly known as Hon. Deco and the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ikeja Federal Constituency, has taken a bold step towards consolidating his political journey ahead of the 2027 National Elections. Over the weekend, he paid a courtesy visit to two prominent PDP leaders—Hon. Tai Benedict, the Lagos State PDP Deputy Chairman, and Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, MD, FACA, FWACP, a former Minister of Cooperation and Integration in Africa, and one of the respected leaders of the Coalition for Good Governance.
The visit, described by party insiders as both strategic and symbolic, was aimed at strengthening Deco’s relationship with critical stakeholders in Lagos politics while reaffirming his commitment to the PDP’s vision of inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Speaking during the engagement, Hon. Deco expressed gratitude for the unwavering guidance and leadership of Hon. Tai Benedict and Dr. Ogunkelu. He emphasized that his courtesy call was not just a routine political gesture but a deliberate effort to build stronger ties and chart a forward-looking plan for the party’s role in Lagos and at the national level.
“Our democracy thrives when leaders work together, listen to the people, and set a clear direction for the future. The 2027 elections present an opportunity to reposition the PDP as a party of hope, unity, and accountability. I am committed to working with our leaders, stakeholders, and the grassroots to achieve this,” Hon. Deco stated.
In response, Hon. Tai Benedict commended Deco for his resilience and continued engagement with the party after the 2023 general elections, stressing that consistency and loyalty remain vital for sustaining relevance in politics. He urged younger politicians to emulate Deco’s commitment by actively participating in party affairs and contributing fresh ideas.
Similarly, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu lauded the visit as timely and necessary, describing Deco as a promising politician whose passion for service and grassroots engagement reflects the values of good governance. He assured him of mentorship and support, noting that building bridges within the party would be critical to reclaiming political dominance in Lagos.
Political observers believe the meeting marks the beginning of a more coordinated strategy among PDP leaders in Lagos as the opposition party prepares to strengthen its base ahead of 2027. With Lagos State being a pivotal battleground in Nigerian politics, moves such as these could help galvanize grassroots support and reawaken confidence in the PDP’s prospects.
The visit also highlighted the importance of collaboration between established political figures and emerging leaders in ensuring continuity and relevance within the PDP. For Deco, it was not only a show of loyalty to the party hierarchy but also a demonstration of readiness to play a more influential role in shaping the future of Lagos politics.
As the 2027 National Elections gradually take shape, engagements like this are expected to multiply, as the PDP works to reposition itself as a credible alternative to the ruling party.