Mrs Mariam, speaking during an interactive session with the PDP women and leaders in Lagos State on Tuesday, reassured supporters that their efforts would not be in vain, as her husband remained committed to improving the lives of all people, particularly those of women and children.
Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, nicknamed Jandor, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for governor of Lagos State, had earlier introduced his wife, Mariam Adediran, to party members.
There has apparently been political propaganda spread about the family of the 45-year-old frontrunner for the top seat in the state, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Adediran's American-based wife had been absent from his political activities since 2023 campaigning began.
On joining his campaign, Mariam assured the massive throng that things would improve with the PDP in charge of affairs in the state, and she was all smiles and excited as she did so.
She criticised the politicians who, while she was away from her husband and family, were behind online smear campaigns about them.
She claims that she has been actively involved in her husband's political movement and has always shown her support for him, despite the fact that she currently resides in the United States.
“I have been part of this movement and we, my husband and I agreed that he would be in Nigeria to drive the movement while I would be in the US with the children.
“It is disheartening what people do in the name of politics on social media. I am not a social media person but I read everything they put up there,” she said.
Mariam praised the women of Lagos for their support of her husband's campaign and noted that while much had been accomplished, much more could be done before the campaign ended.
“I love you and even though the election is in a few days from today, we still have so much to do together and I know that God will grant our efforts with success.
“I do see everything that you all are doing. I see all of your movements and engagements as well as your efforts to help this movement. I sincerely say thank you to everyone.
“If anyone is telling you that you are working in vain, tell them you are not because you can see the movement growing and you have been focused.
“This movement is just starting, though you have done a whole lot, but I want to let you know that it is just starting,” she said.
Mariam encouraged the women to have faith in themselves, noting how she had cared deeply about women and children.
“I will make sure that all the women in this movement, not only here but also in Lagos, stand on their feet and believe in themselves.”
It was clear from Jandor's speech that he was confident in his ability to win the election and put the state's wealth to good use for all citizens without the help of a godfather.
He claimed he will unseat the incumbent party with the help of both God and the people.
Funke Akindele, the PDP's deputy governorship candidate, and Mrs Aduke Maina, a former member of the PDP's Board of Trustees, both spoke at the event, which was held at the candidate's campaign office in Ikeja.
Party women leaders from all 20 LGAs in Lagos, as well as a former leader of the Lagos PDP, Mrs Bisi Odunsi, and the chairperson of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, Chief Tanwa Olusi, were in attendance.
