Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, often 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).
The executive council of the APC, headed by State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, greeted Jandor when he visited the party’s state secretariat in Acme, Ikeja.
He took use of the occasion to say that he would be willing to back President Bola Tinubu’s bid for reelection in 2027 and that he might 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 join the APC family; it is not our official statement. Returning to the winning family makes us pleased.
“To make sure we continue to win for Nigerians, we have come to combine our numerical strength with the party’s current strength.
“Our goal is to figure out how to dismantle the coalition against Mr. President and try to become President of Nigeria again in 2027,” Jandor explained.
When Jandor reflected on his 2022 defection from the APC to the PDP, he characterized the action as a strategic decision to make room to demonstrate his abilities.
He declared, “I am a man of conviction.” “I don’t just go with the flow. At that time, we strategically left APC. We have returned, this time with political clout rather than empty hands.
He explained his decision to rejoin the APC by pointing to the growing political maneuvers intended to undermine President Tinubu’s chances in 2027.
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“Omo eni o ni se idi bebere ka fi leke si idi omo elomiran” is a Yoruba proverb that means “charity begins at home.” We have to protect our own. Making sure President Tinubu returns in 2027 is our top priority. “Everything else is secondary,” he continued.
Jandor said he is still willing to running for governor if the party supports his goal, even though he has not formally announced his intention to do so.
“I haven’t withdrawn from the contest for governor. We will take the ticket and run with it if the party grants it to us. However, we shall comply with whatever the party chooses.
He reaffirmed his intention to return to the APC in full and return with the same degree of political significance as when he left.
Cornelius Ojelabi, the chairman of the APC, welcomed Jandor’s return and said the action was strategic and timely for the party.
Prior to this reunion, the 37 LCDA chairmen and all 20 local government representatives were consulted. We need to make amends in 2027 since the 2023 elections weren’t our greatest performance,” Ojelabi said. “We can clear that record and deliver at every level now that you’re back.”
He promised Jandor complete reintegration and acknowledged his political clout in Lagos.
“Asiwaju Tinubu is a kind person. Once they return, those who once resisted him are frequently accepted and assimilated. Your step today is the correct one, and the door is open.
Jandor’s return 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 bedrock of our party is strengthened by your return,” he said.
Seye Oladejo, the party’s publicity secretary, went on to say that Jandor’s defection had severely damaged the PDP.
The PDP no longer has a viable candidate for governor as a result of this action. “Their party is no longer as strong,” he said.
