Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for governor of Lagos in the general elections of 2023, has given an explanation for his choice to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC).
State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi and the party’s executive council greeted Jandor when he visited the APC state secretariat in Acme, Ikeja.
Using the occasion, he stated that he would be willing to back President Bola Tinubu’s bid for reelection in 2027 and hinted that he would run for governor of Lagos once more on the APC ticket.
“This is merely to formally advise you of our choice to return home and to the APC family; it is not our official proclamation. We are glad to return to the winning family.
To make sure we continue to win for Nigerians, we have decided to combine our numerical strength with the party’s current strength.
“We want to figure out how to dismantle the coalition against Mr. President and try to become President of Nigeria again in 2027,” Jandor explained.
Looking back on his 2022 defection from the APC to the PDP, Jandor explained that it was a strategic decision to make room to demonstrate his abilities.
He declared, “I’m a man of conviction.” “I don’t just go along with the crowd. At the time, we strategically left APC. We have returned, but this time with political clout rather than empty hands.
He said the growing political maneuvers to undermine President Tinubu’s chances in 2027 were the reason he returned to the APC.
One Yoruba saying goes, “Omo eni o ni se idi bebere ka fi leke si idi omo elomiran,” which means that charity starts at home. We have to protect our own rights. Ensuring President Tinubu’s comeback in 2027 is our top priority. “Everything else is secondary,” he went on.
Although he hasn’t officially announced his intention to run for governor in the upcoming election, Jandor said he is still open to doing so if the party supports his goal.
“I’m still running for governor. We’ll grab the ticket if the party hands it to us. But we will comply with whatever the party chooses.
He reaffirmed that he would return to the APC with the same degree of political significance that he had before leaving.
While welcome Jandor back, APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi said the decision was smart and timely for the party.
Before this reunion, the 37 LCDA chairmen and all 20 local government representatives were consulted. We have to make amends in 2027 since the 2023 elections weren’t our greatest performance,” Ojelabi said. “We can break that record and deliver at every level now that you’re back.”
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He promised Jandor complete reintegration and acknowledged his political clout in Lagos.
“Asiwaju Tinubu is tolerant. Upon their return, those who once fought him are frequently accepted and assimilated. Your step today is the right one, and the door is open.
The return of Jandor was also welcomed by Vice Chairman Maiyegun Moshood, who said it will help bring back the spirit of Lagos politics.
You have a strong interest in Lagos. “The core of our party is strengthened by your return,” he said.
The party’s publicity secretary, Seye Oladejo, went on to say that Jandor’s defection had severely damaged the PDP.
The PDP now lacks a viable candidate for governor as a result of this action. Their party is no longer as strong,” he said.
