The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, dumped his party two weeks ago with his supporters on Monday and officially returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adediran disclosed his defection to the APC at a press briefing held at his campaign secretariat on Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja, Lagos, along with the leaders of his group. He said that since he announced dumping the PDP two weeks ago, he had met with different political parties and associations before deciding to join his former party, the APC.
Why he returned to the APC because he left the party for the PDP when he was pursuing his governorship ambition in 2023, he said he now knows better that the APC is a better party than the PDP, and the party meant well for its members.
According to him, the APC has what it takes to win elections in the state, unlike the PDP. He added that his journey in the PDP during the 2023 gubernatorial election was driven by a sincere desire to win for the party and serve the people of Lagos State. Still, he came to realise that he had traded certainty for uncertainty.
“We are going into another general election, so I returned to APC. Everything I have for Lagos can only be realised when one wins an election. We have selected a platform that can win an election.
“Political parties exist 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 (APC).”
Adediran, therefore, appealed to his supporters that the step he took was in the best interest of Lagos, saying, “To all our teeming supporters across the state, we assure you that this step is taken with the best interest of Lagos at heart, and we urge you all to join us in embracing this new chapter as we work together to build a Lagos that works for everyone.”
On whether his return to APC can make him realise his ambition of Lagos for Lagos, he said what he and members of his group are after is for their party to win an election, “the platform that can give us victory is where we will pitch our tent.”
Jandor also expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, whom he said recognised his modest contributions to the advancement of democracy, likewise his Chief of Staff, Hon. Hakeem Gbabiamila and the son of the president, Seyi Tinubu, who was said to have encouraged him to return to APC.
