PeakNews Online
Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), has formally announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after resigning from the PDP weeks ago.
Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, Jandor attributed his decision to the internal crisis, lack of discipline, and anti-party activities within the PDP, which he said undermined his efforts during the 2023 general elections.
Reasons for His Defection
Jandor described his experience in the PDP as a constant battle against political saboteurs, stating that his move to APC was a strategic decision based on consultations with family, political associates, and supporters.
“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 emphasized that the primary goal of a political party is to win elections and govern effectively, which he believes the APC prioritizes.
A Return ‘Home’ to APC
Jandor acknowledged his past reasons for leaving APC but likened his journey to a Yoruba adage about learning from different experiences. He praised APC’s leadership, particularly President Bola Tinubu, stating that unlike the PDP, the APC is focused on victory and party unity.
“In APC, we have a leader who, even if you fault his selection choices, always prioritizes winning for his party. In Lagos PDP, you have a leader who, at every election cycle, works against his own party and dashes the hopes of many members. We have chosen the better alternative.”
Jandor revealed that he consulted with leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP) before deciding to rejoin APC.
Key Figures Who Persuaded Jandor’s Return
He credited his return to relentless efforts by top APC figures, including:
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, who had been persuading him for over a year.
Seyi Tinubu, son of the President, who personally reached out after Jandor’s resignation from PDP.
“Upon hearing the news of my resignation, Seyi Tinubu called and said, ‘Egbon, this is the time to come back home.’”
Jandor assured his supporters that his return to APC was in the best interest of Lagos, urging them to join him in this new political journey.
“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.”
