The former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has finally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), weeks after he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a week after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
During a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, Jandor cited internal crises and the lack of party discipline as some of the key reasons for his defection. He lamented the PDP’s failure to stem anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections. Our story in the PDP was a story of coping with perennial political saboteurs, but we have chosen to love our future more than we hate our past,” Jandor stated.
Jandor made it clear that he had rejoined the governing party after broad consultations with political friends, members, and revered leaders across various parties.
After extensive consultations with family, political friends, statesmen of old, supporters, and benevolent Lagosians with the passion and vision that we also have for a better, greater Lagos, we wish to formally place on record that after considerable contemplation we have decided to align with a party that places success at the polls above everything regardless of whose ticket is at the polls.
“We are back to All Progressives Congress,” he stated.
He revealed that before making the choice, he had explored potential alliances with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP) but finally settled on returning to the APC.
Anticipating attacks for returning to a party that he had previously abandoned, Jandor likened his political growth to a Yoruba proverb of learning from diverse situations.
“Before you also quickly remind me of why we defected from APC in the first place, let me respond with a typical Yoruba proverb which goes that if a woman hasn’t tried two husbands, she would probably not be able to determine which one is best.”.
“In APC, we have a leader. Although you decry his selection of choices, you cannot decry his will to win at all times for his party to the benefit of all the members, followers, and the state.”
“While in Lagos PDP, you have a leader who will, every election cycle, behave against his own party and intentionally dash the hopes of many party members and supporters. We have chosen the better option,” he asserted.
Jandor conceded that his comeback was nudged by APC’s key leaders, President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu.
“I must also give credit to the persistent invitation 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 reunite with Mr President.”.
“After receiving news of my return to the PDP, the President’s son, Mr Seyi Tinubu, called me immediately to say, ‘Egbon, this is the time to return home.’ Before that moment, Seyi had shown the lessons he learned from the best and called, requesting assistance for the administration of his father, the President. What else can a father request?
Assuring his followers that his action was in the interest of Lagos, Jandor invited them to join him into the new political dawn.
“We are still dedicated to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will keep on battling the cause of a greater Lagos for today and tomorrow’s generations,” he stated.
