Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jandor announced his decision on Monday during a press conference at his office in Ikeja, Lagos, weeks after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He cited internal crises, lack of party discipline, and unresolved anti-party activities as key reasons for his departure.

Reasons for Defection

Speaking at the event, Jandor expressed frustration over PDP’s inability to manage internal conflicts, particularly during the 2023 general elections.

“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,” he stated.

He emphasized that a political party should prioritize electoral victories and governance, leading to his decision to return to the APC.

“We wish to formally announce that we have decided to join a party that considers winning for its members a top priority, not minding who is on the ballot,” he added.

He had earlier accused the State Chairman of the party, Philip Aivoji, of allegedly issuing a false statement on all PDP platforms, claiming that he (Jandor) had withdrawn from the election.

Jandor also accused Olabode George, a leader of the party in Lagos State, of openly declaring support for the gubernatorial candidate of another party and advising Lagos residents not to vote for the PDP.

However, reacting, George in a recent interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, ILESE IJEBU, said Jandor’s statement needs no direct reply, citing an unforgivable sin Jandor has committed; a sin he promised not disclose but forward to a certain Dr. Seye Dairo to reveal to the public.

ICYMI: BODE GEORGE: JANDOR WON’T DARE WALK THE STREETS OF LAGOS IF I TAKE HIM ON” – Eagle 102.5 FM

Consultations and Decision-Making

Jandor revealed that he had consulted widely with political associates and stakeholders across different parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP), before settling on the APC.

Addressing concerns about his return to the ruling party after his previous exit, he likened his experience to a Yoruba proverb about learning from different situations.

“In APC, we have a leader who, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party,” he remarked.

He criticized the leadership of Lagos PDP, accusing it of undermining its own party members during elections.

Tinubu’s Influence in Jandor’s Return

Jandor acknowledged the role of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, in persuading him to return to the APC.

He stated that Gbajabiamila had been urging him for over a year, while Seyi Tinubu personally reached out to convince him.

“Upon hearing of my resignation from the PDP, Seyi Tinubu immediately called me, saying, ‘Egbon, this is the time to come back home,’” Jandor recounted.

Commitment to Lagos’ Development

Assuring his supporters of his commitment to Lagos’ progress, Jandor called on them to join him in his 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,” he said.

Jandor’s defection marks a significant shift in Lagos’ political landscape, potentially altering the power dynamics ahead of future elections.