The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has concluded its state congress with the emergence of James Adeshina, a former chairman of the Lagos State Inter-Party Advisory Council, as the new state chairman of the party.
The congress, held on Saturday in Alimosho, marked a significant step in the party’s ongoing reorganisation efforts as it positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections. Adeshina was elected through a consensus and affirmation process, reflecting what party leaders described as unity and internal cohesion among delegates.
The congress was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in line with electoral guidelines governing political party congresses in Nigeria. In addition to the chairman, nine other members were elected into the Lagos State Executive Committee, forming a 10-member leadership team tasked with steering the affairs of the party in the state for the next three years.
Party officials said the consensus method adopted during the congress was a deliberate move to promote internal stability and avoid factional disputes that have affected many political parties in the state. Delegates from wards and local government areas across Lagos participated in the process, which culminated in the affirmation of the executive officers.
Observers at the venue noted that the exercise proceeded without disruption, with party members adhering to procedural rules throughout the event. Security personnel and electoral officials were present to ensure orderliness and compliance with regulatory standards.
According to party sources, the leadership transition was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure and enhance its visibility in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state.
Speaking at the congress, Mr Oluwole Adeniyi, a member of the PRP National Electoral Planning Committee, commended the conduct of delegates and described the exercise as a milestone in the party’s rebuilding process.
Adeniyi, who represented the chairman of the congress committee and the party’s national youth leader, Mr Wolimoh Olajide, said the peaceful nature of the congress demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and discipline.
He expressed confidence that the outcome of the congress would accelerate the growth of the party in Lagos, adding that the PRP was steadily positioning itself as a credible alternative in the state’s political landscape.
According to him, the congress was not merely a routine exercise but part of a deliberate effort to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged the newly elected executives to focus on grassroots mobilisation, voter education and party building, stressing that sustained engagement with communities would be critical to the party’s success.
Adeniyi noted that the PRP’s leadership believes the political environment in Lagos is increasingly receptive to alternative platforms, as many citizens express dissatisfaction with governance outcomes.
He said the party intended to capitalise on this sentiment by presenting policies and candidates that prioritise social justice, accountability and inclusive development.
According to him, the party’s ideology remains rooted in service to the people, and its leadership is committed to translating that philosophy into practical political action at the state and local government levels.
He further urged party officials to demonstrate commitment and discipline in carrying out their responsibilities, noting that credibility and consistency would determine the party’s ability to attract new members.
In his acceptance speech, Adeshina thanked delegates for entrusting him with the leadership of the party in Lagos and pledged to run the affairs of the state chapter with integrity, transparency and collective responsibility.
He described the PRP as a viable platform for Nigerians seeking meaningful political engagement and said the party remained open to individuals committed to democratic values and good governance.
Adeshina, who previously served as Lagos State chairman of the African Action Congress and had been acting as caretaker chairman of the PRP prior to the congress, said the new executive committee would work closely with ward and local government executives to strengthen the party’s structure across the state.
He stressed that building a functional party organisation would be central to the PRP’s strategy as it prepares for upcoming elections.
The new chairman said the party’s immediate priority would be to activate its presence at the grassroots level, particularly in polling units, wards and local government areas.
According to him, effective mobilisation and political education would be essential to increasing the party’s visibility and competitiveness in Lagos.
He urged party members to engage residents without fear or intimidation, encouraging them to communicate the party’s message and ideology across communities.
Adeshina said the PRP intended to present candidates who reflect the aspirations of the people and who are committed to people-oriented governance.
He added that the party would focus on issues such as economic inclusion, social welfare, infrastructure development and youth empowerment in articulating its policy agenda.
Addressing party members and supporters, Adeshina called on Nigerians, particularly professionals and educated citizens, to reconsider their perception of politics and participate actively in the democratic process.
He argued that political disengagement had contributed to governance challenges and said meaningful change could only occur through sustained involvement by citizens.
According to him, the PRP offers a platform for individuals who wish to contribute positively to public service without compromising their values.
He encouraged potential members to join the party early, participate in its activities and contribute to its growth ahead of the next election cycle.
Adeshina said the party was positioning itself as a credible alternative for voters seeking change in Lagos, noting that many residents were increasingly vocal about governance concerns.
He stressed that no political party should be dismissed as unpopular, adding that electoral success depends on organisation, message clarity and public trust.
According to him, the PRP’s focus would be on building trust through consistent engagement and demonstrating readiness to govern responsibly.
He said the party would prioritise loyalty, discipline and teamwork among members, describing these values as essential to achieving electoral success.
Lagos remains one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states, with a large voter population and significant economic influence. Analysts note that while established parties have historically dominated the state, smaller parties are increasingly seeking to expand their footprint by capitalising on voter dissatisfaction and youth engagement.
The PRP’s leadership change comes amid broader efforts by smaller political parties to reorganise, form alliances and strengthen their structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers say the success of such efforts will depend on sustained grassroots mobilisation, credible candidates and the ability to articulate clear policy alternatives.
The presence of INEC officials at the congress underscored the importance of regulatory compliance in party activities. Electoral authorities have repeatedly emphasised the need for transparency and adherence to guidelines in party congresses and primaries.
INEC’s monitoring role is intended to ensure that party leadership processes are conducted in line with democratic principles and electoral laws.
Observers noted that the orderly conduct of the PRP congress could enhance the party’s standing with regulators and stakeholders.
With its new leadership in place, the Lagos PRP faces the task of translating organisational restructuring into electoral relevance. Party officials say efforts are already underway to expand membership, engage youth and women, and articulate policy positions that resonate with urban and peri-urban voters.
Adeshina’s emergence as chairman is seen by party insiders as a continuity move that builds on recent organisational efforts while introducing renewed momentum.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace, the party’s ability to consolidate its structure and maintain internal unity will be critical.
For now, the congress marks a significant chapter in the Lagos PRP’s political journey, signalling its intention to play a more visible role in the state’s evolving political landscape.