From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 Governorship Election in Lagos State, after wide consultations with various political organizations, has rejoined his former party, the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
Making the disclosure at a press conference which took place at the Liberty Place in Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, March 17, 2025, Adeniran who is popularly known as Jandor, disclosed that his going to APC is to join a winning party whether his name is in the ballot or not.
Dr Adeniran stated, “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, and in identifying that the primary reason a political party exists is to win elections and ultimately form the government to contribute to the welfare, security and total development of the people, we wish to formally announce that we have decided to join a political party that considers winning for its members as top priority, not minding who is on the ballot.
“We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
He averred that there is significant difference between his new party, APC and the former, PDP, adding that APC was designed to win election; PDP in Lagos, on the other hand, because of its leadership configuration, cannot win election.
Jandor said evidence abound why his former party cannot win election in Lagos State, he said all those who were the party’s flag-bearers at one time or the other have all left the party because the leadership of the party usually work in contradistinction with the policies of the candidates.
He said “Precisely on Monday 3rd March 2025, we announced our resignation from the People’s Democratic Party because of the inability of the national leadership of the party to, in line with the provisions of its constitution, instill discipline and condemn the anti-party activities carried out by some of the party leaders in the 2023 general elections.
“Since then, we have engaged in very wide consultations with our political associates and teeming followers and supporters across the state. We have equally had series of engagement with various political interests and parties across the country in our quest to choose a platform for the expression of our vision and aspiration for the betterment of the good people of Lagos State,” he stated.
On why he returned to the ruling party, he said, “Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons upon which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage that says if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better. 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. 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.
“Our journey in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 gubernatorial election and the election petition at the tribunal through to the Supreme Court was driven by a sincere desire to win for PDP and serve the people of Lagos State. While we remain proud of the campaign we ran and the support we garnered, we believe that working within the fold of the APC offers a more viable platform to deliver on our promises of good governance for all Lagosians, even if I am not the one on the ballot.
“Our return to the APC is not a decision made lightly. It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos State and our belief that unity among progressives is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of our people,” he added.
Jandor specially expressed appreciation to the president whom he said recognized his modest contributions to democracy and nation building. “Let me once again extend our sincere gratitude to the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recognized our modest contributions to democracy and nation building. I must also recognize the relentless efforts of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, who has been on our case for over one year to return ‘home’, and join hands with Mr. President.
“Before this press conference, I had reached out to the leadership of the APC, both at the state and national levels, and I can tell you, their reactions have been so welcoming. Let me assure Mr. President of our readiness to contribute our experience, vision, and energy to the ongoing work of making Nigeria a place of opportunities, growth, and inclusive development,”Jandor stated.
