Lagos Island-born healthcare professional and politician, Hon. Ayodeji Bababunmi Da-Silva, has concluded plans to mobilize his followers to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alignment with progressive governance and people-oriented policies.
Da-Silva, a native of Brazilian Quarters in Lagos Island, describes himself as a lifelong Lagosian, born, raised, and educated in the state. He emphasizes his deep-rooted connection to Lagos and his commitment to its development. “Lagos is home. I was born and bred here, and I am passionate about making Lagos one of the best states in the world, comparable to cities like New York,” he said.
Explaining his defection, the politician noted that his decision was not driven by the internal crisis within the PDP but by a desire to align with what he described as a forward-looking political movement. “I have been in PDP for over 20 years, but as Nigeria evolves, it is important to move with progressives. APC represents policies that are people-friendly and capable of moving Nigeria forward,” he stated. He added that he believes the ruling party, if given the right support, can steer Nigeria toward economic growth and development.
Da-Silva, who identifies as a technocrat, said his involvement in politics is rooted in a desire to improve the lives of Nigerians, particularly through his expertise in the healthcare sector and human management and administration.
According to him, the best way to be of good service to humanity is through the positive use of power. Power is the best platform to help the masses and humanity at large. “As an individual, no matter your good intention and capacity, public service remains the best tool to drive and effect changes that will better the lives of the people.”
A trained industrial chemist with an HND in Chemistry from Ogun State Polytechnic, he later studied healthcare administration and built a career in the health sector for decades, including serving as a Regional Director of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in Detroit, Michigan, USA. His political journey dates back to his student days, where he held leadership positions as Speaker and later President of the Student Union. His activism and desire for mass welfare exposed him to notable politicians and opinion leaders who mentored his appetite for meaningful and impactful leadership. He officially joined the PDP in 2003 and contested the Lagos West Senatorial seat in 2007. He also ran for president in 2019 under the platform of the Save Nigeria Congress (SNC), where he ranked among the top candidates before the party was deregistered.
Addressing criticisms from Nigerians in the diaspora, Da-Silva argued that comparisons between Nigeria and more developed nations are often unfair. “Nigeria is still a young nation. Comparing it to countries like the UK or the US is like comparing apples to oranges. Considering our age, we have made significant progress in areas like technology, real estate, and diplomacy,” he said. He urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, likening governance reforms to building a house that requires time and initial discomfort. “When you are building, you must first lay the foundation, which can be uncomfortable. The results will become evident with time. Nigerians should support ongoing policies for long-term benefits,” he added.
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