Abdul-Azeez Adediran, also known as Jandor, the Lagos state governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has defected to the All Progressives Congress ( APC).
Jandor made the announcement on Monday during a news conference held at his office in Ikeja, Lagos.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the PDP’s failure to confront anti-party actions during the 2023 elections.
He attributed his resignation from the opposition party to internal conflicts and a lack of discipline within the PDP.
“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 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, 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 a top priority, not minding who is on the ballot.
“We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress.”
Before deciding to rejoin the APC, Jandor said he sought extensive advice from political leaders, followers, and acquaintances from a variety of organisations, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Social Democratic Party (SD).
He compared his experience to a Yoruba proverb about learning from diverse circumstances to allay worries about his previous departure from the ruling party.
“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,” Jandor said.
“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.”
He added, “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 commended the efforts of Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, and Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu’s chief of staff, in convincing him to join the APC.
“I want to thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, once more for acknowledging our small contributions to democracy and nation-building,” Jandor said.
“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.
“Upon hearing the news of my resignation from the PDP, the president’s son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu immediately put a call across to say “Egbon, this is the time to come back home.
“Prior to that time, Seyi had exhibited the learnings he has had from the best and reached out, asking for support for the administration of his father, the President. What more can a father ask for.”
Jandor urged his followers to join him in the new political era and reassured them that the action was best for Lagos.
“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.
