Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, also known as Jandor, the former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Jandor made the announcement on Monday during a press conference at his office in Ikeja, weeks after resigning from the PDP.
In his remarks, Jandor explained that internal crises and a lack of party discipline within the PDP were the primary reasons for his departure. He expressed disappointment in the PDP's failure to address anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections, noting that working alongside "perennial political saboteurs" within the party was no longer viable for him.
“Our story in the PDP was a case of working with perennial political saboteurs, but we have resolved to love our future much more than we hate our past,” Jandor said. “After extensive consultations with family, political associates, elder statesmen, supporters, and well-meaning Lagosians who share our vision for a greater and more prosperous Lagos, we wish to formally announce that we have decided to join a political party that considers winning for its members as top priority.”
Jandor acknowledged that he had consulted with various political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP), before ultimately deciding to rejoin the APC.
Addressing concerns over his earlier exit from the APC, he likened his experience to a Yoruba adage, suggesting that a person needs to experience different situations to truly know what works best. He praised APC's leadership, stating that, despite any faults in their selection choices, the party's focus on victory for its members sets it apart from the PDP.
“In APC, we have a leader, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers, and the state,” he explained. “While in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that will, at every election cycle, work against his own party, and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers. We have chosen the better alternative.”
Jandor also thanked President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Seyi Tinubu for their efforts in persuading him to return to the APC, describing it as a decision made in the best interest of Lagos State. He assured his supporters that this move was a commitment to the progress and unity of the state, urging them to join him in this new political chapter.
“We remain committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations,” Jandor concluded.
