Olajide Adediran, widely known as Jandor, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His return to the ruling party follows weeks of speculation and political maneuvering, culminating in an official announcement at a press conference on Monday.
Jandor, who had publicly resigned from the PDP earlier this month, cited unresolved internal conflicts and a lack of party discipline as key reasons for his departure. He specifically pointed to the national leadership’s failure to address anti-party activities among some PDP members during the 2023 elections.
A Return to APC After Extensive Consultations
Before making his final decision, Jandor engaged in wide-ranging consultations with political stakeholders, including leaders from various parties such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Young Progressive Party (YPP). He also held discussions with the PDP’s national leadership to explore the possibility of reversing his resignation, provided the internal issues were addressed.
However, he ultimately chose to align with the APC, emphasizing that the party offers a more structured and competitive platform focused on electoral victories and governance.
“On March 3, 2025, we officially resigned from the PDP due to the party’s failure to enforce discipline and curb acts of sabotage by some of its members. Since then, we have consulted widely, engaged in discussions with various political parties, and carefully evaluated our options in the best interest of Lagosians,” Jandor stated.
He added that while PDP’s national leadership attempted to persuade him to stay, the Lagos State chapter engaged in a smear campaign against him instead of addressing fundamental party issues.
Criticism of Lagos PDP Leadership
In his statement, Jandor did not hold back in his critique of the Lagos PDP’s leadership, singling out elder statesman Chief Olabode George as a major factor in the party’s struggles in the state.
“While PDP leaders at the national level were eager to have us reconsider our resignation, the Lagos State chapter chose a path of baseless attacks and misinformation. I have listened to their claims in the media, and I challenge them to account for their electoral performance. Let them explain why, despite decades in the party, Chief Bode George has never won his polling unit for PDP,” he remarked.
He further challenged other critics within the Lagos PDP to present evidence of their contributions to the party’s success, particularly in the last presidential election.
Why Jandor Chose APC
Explaining his decision to rejoin the APC, Jandor said he was drawn by the party’s commitment to electoral success and governance.
“A political party exists primarily to win elections and form a government that serves the people. After considering various options, we chose the APC because it prioritizes winning for its members and ensuring their relevance in governance,” he said.
Anticipating criticism over his return to the APC, Jandor referenced a Yoruba proverb:
“If a woman has not experienced two husbands, she may not know which one is better.”
He contrasted the leadership styles within both parties, arguing that while APC leaders may have their faults, they remain committed to victory and governance, unlike the PDP faction in Lagos, which he accused of undermining its own members.
“In the APC, leadership is focused on winning and governance. In Lagos PDP, we had leaders who actively worked against their own party’s success, consistently dashing the hopes of party members. We have chosen the better alternative,” he stated.
Jandor emphasized that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to contribute meaningfully to Lagos State’s development. Even if he is not on the ballot, he said, he remains committed to ensuring good governance for the people.
Key Influences Behind His Decision
Jandor acknowledged that several influential figures played pivotal roles in his return to the APC. Among them were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his son Seyi Tinubu, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to President Tinubu, who recognized our contributions to democracy. Special thanks to Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who had been persuading me for over a year to return home to the APC. Upon hearing of my resignation from PDP, Seyi Tinubu immediately reached out, urging me to rejoin the fold,” he revealed.
A Call for Unity and Progress
Jandor concluded by urging his supporters to embrace this new chapter and work collectively for the progress of Lagos State.
“Our decision to join APC is rooted in our commitment to Lagos and the well-being of its people. We assure our supporters that this move is in their best interest, and we look forward to contributing positively to the party and the state. Together, we will build a Lagos that works for all,” he said.
Jandor’s defection marks a significant political shift in Lagos State, signaling potential realignments ahead of future elections. His move to the APC adds another layer of intrigue to the evolving political landscape in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
