4 hours ago
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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State, Ayodeji Da-Silva, has indicated plans to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, citing his alignment with what he described as progressive and people-centred policies.
Da-Silva, a healthcare professional and experienced politician who hails from Lagos Island, said his decision is motivated by a desire to contribute more effectively to the development of the state.
He noted that Lagos remains his home and expressed his ambition to see it evolve into a globally competitive city comparable to leading urban centres like New York.
Having spent over 20 years in the PDP, he explained that his planned defection is based on his conviction that the APC provides a more viable platform for implementing forward-looking policies capable of driving national growth.
The technocrat-turned-politician stated that his entry into politics was inspired by a passion to improve the welfare of Nigerians, particularly through reforms in the healthcare sector.
According to him, political leadership remains a vital instrument for achieving lasting change and sustainable development.
With academic training in industrial chemistry and healthcare administration, Da-Silva has built a career in the health sector, including serving as a Regional Director for a Health Maintenance Organization, HMO, in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States, where he gained international experience.
His involvement in politics dates back to his student years, during which he held leadership positions before contesting elective offices, including the Lagos West Senatorial seat and the presidency.
Addressing criticisms of the current administration, Da-Silva urged Nigerians to remain patient, likening governance reforms to the gradual process of building a house, which may initially come with challenges. He added that as a developing nation, Nigeria has made notable progress in areas such as technology, real estate, and diplomacy, stressing that comparisons with more advanced economies should be approached with caution.
