The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC), just weeks after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a week after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, Jandor cited internal crises and a lack of party discipline as key reasons for his defection. He expressed frustration over the PDP’s failure to address anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections.
“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,” Jandor stated.
Jandor explained that his return to the ruling party followed extensive consultations with political associates, supporters, and respected figures across different parties.
“After extensive consultations with family, political associates, elder statesmen, supporters, and well-meaning Lagosians who share our vision for a greater and more prosperous Lagos, 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,” he declared.
He revealed that before making his decision, he explored potential alliances with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP) but ultimately chose to return to the APC.
Anticipating criticism over his return to a party he previously left, Jandor likened his political journey to a Yoruba adage about learning from different situations.
“Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons upon which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage that says if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better.
“In APC, we have a leader. Even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers, and the state.
“While in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that will, at every election cycle, work against his own party and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers. We have chosen the better alternative,” he asserted.
Jandor acknowledged that his return was influenced by high-ranking figures within the APC, including President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu.
“I must also recognise the relentless efforts 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 join hands with Mr President.
“Upon hearing the news of my resignation from the PDP, the President’s son, Mr Seyi Tinubu, immediately put a call across to say, ‘Egbon, this is the time to come back home.’ Prior to that time, Seyi had exhibited the learnings he had from the best and reached out, asking for support for the administration of his father, the President. What more can a father ask for?”
Assuring his supporters that his decision was in Lagos’ best interest, Jandor urged them to join him in the new political chapter.
“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,” he stated.
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