In a major political move, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The former Lagos State governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made the announcement on Monday at a press conference in Ikeja, weeks after resigning from the opposition party.
Jandor, who had been a vocal figure in the Lagos political landscape, said his decision was driven by the internal turmoil and lack of discipline within the PDP. He expressed frustration over what he described as the party’s failure to address anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections, which he believed severely weakened its chances of success.
He emphasized that the PDP leadership had continuously failed to enforce discipline, allowing internal sabotage to fester. According to him, staying in the PDP would have meant working with people who were more committed to weakening their own party than winning elections.
Related: “PLEASE COME BACK”- PDP Leaders Begs Jandor to Reconsider Resignation Amid Party Crisis
Jandor recalled his initial decision to leave the APC in 2021, when he led the Lagos4Lagos Movement out of the party. At the time, he cited issues of marginalization and lack of inclusivity within the ruling party as reasons for his departure. However, after his experience in the PDP, he acknowledged that he had gained valuable political lessons and was now convinced that the APC remained the better platform for achieving his vision for Lagos.
While addressing concerns about his return to the APC, Jandor referenced a Yoruba adage, stating that “if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better.” He described the APC as a party with a strong leadership structure focused on winning elections, whereas the PDP lacked cohesion and was often its own worst enemy during election cycles.
Jandor’s defection did not come as a surprise to many political observers, as speculations had been rife following his resignation from the PDP. In his speech, he revealed that he consulted widely with political associates, supporters, and elder statesmen before making his decision. He also disclosed that he had discussions with members of other political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP), before ultimately deciding to return to the APC.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, for their roles in persuading him to return to the APC. Jandor noted that Gbajabiamila had been reaching out to him for over a year, urging him to come back to the party. He also mentioned that Seyi Tinubu personally called him after his resignation from the PDP, encouraging him to “come back home.”
The former PDP candidate reassured his supporters that his decision to return to the APC was made in the best interest of Lagos State. He emphasized that he remains committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress, and urged his followers to join him in this new political chapter.
