The 2015 Lagos State gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Olujimi Kolawole Agbaje said on Wednesday that he was back in the race for the 2019 governorship contest.
NAN quotes Agbaje as saying that he had bought and submitted the PDP expression of interest and nomination forms.
“It is true that initially I did not want to re-contest, but I had so many people urging me to run.
“I bought and submitted my nomination form shortly before it closed. I will be part of the PDP Lagos governorship primaries, billed for Friday, Sept 28th, “ he said.
Agbaje said he was confident he would win the election in Lagos, if he picked the PDP governorship ticket to run.
On the upcoming primaries, Agbaje said he was confident that the leadership would create a level playing ground for all the aspirants, as has been the norm of the party.
“Our primaries have always been open, fair and free for all.
“This is what we are known for, and that is the way I expect it to be,” he said.
He said the recent defections from the party in the state would not affect him if he picked the ticket.
“It is the people of Lagos State that will decide. The issues in the party will not impact negatively on votes.
“Most Nigerians now vote for individuals rather than party,” he said.
Born March 2, 1957, the pharmacists cum politician Agbaje contested the 2015 election in the state and lost to the Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In 1982, he founded his own company, JAYKAY Pharmaceutical and Chemical Company Limited and was managing director until 2005 when he decided to venture into politics.
A consummate professional, he was a member of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (1999–2006); National Secretary of the Nigerian Association of General Practice Pharmacists (NAGPP) from 1987 to 1990; National Chairman NAGPP (1990–1993) and Chairman Pharmaceutical society of Nigeria Lagos State (1994–1997). He was a member, Lagos State Task force on Fake and Adulterated Drugs (1989–1993), National Drug Formulary and Essential Drugs List (1986–1993) and Lagos Hospitals Management Board (1994–1997).
He also sits on the board of other organizations including Oakwood Park Ltd, Atlantic Hall Secondary School Epe, Jimi Agbaje Outreach (a project dedicated to helping the less fortunate) and has served as business mentor at Fate Foundation
Based on his affiliation with the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Agbaje joined the Action Congress (AC) – his first political party.
In 2007, Agbaje who had initially aspired to contest for the governor of Lagos State on the platform of the Action Congress (AC) left the party to join the Democratic People’s Alliance (DPA
Widely believed to have conducted the best campaign in 2007, Agbaje contested in gubernatorial election on the Democratic People’s Alliance (DPA) platform, but eventually, alongside other major contenders – Musiliu Obanikoro of PDP, Femi Pedro of Labour Party (Nigeria) – lost to Babatunde Raji Fashola of the Action Congress (AC).
He left DPA in 2011 and joined then ruling party, PDP following the de-registration of DPA by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
On October 29, 2014, he bought the PDP nomination form and on December 8, 2014, he emerged as the governorship candidate of party having defeated Musiliu Obanikoro in the primary.
