Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (a.k.a JANDOR), 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), officially announced his decision to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a shift in the political dynamics of Lagos State.
Speaking to reporters in his Ikeja office on Monday, JANDOR explained that his decision to resign from the PDP on March 3, 2025, was driven by the party’s failure to instill discipline and its refusal to address the anti-party activities that had undermined the 2023 general elections. He added that the decision was a result of “the inability of the national leadership of the party to, in line with the provisions of its constitution, instill discipline.”
Since his resignation, JANDOR stated that he had engaged in a series of consultations with his political associates, supporters, and leaders across various political parties. He noted that his decision to switch parties was not taken lightly, following engagements with key figures in parties such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
“We had crucial discussions with these political parties and even with the leadership of the PDP at the national level. We asked if the issues within the party could be addressed. They tried to convince me to stay, but the state chapter of PDP has waged a campaign of calumny against me,” JANDOR said.
The former Lagos PDP gubernatorial candidate also called out Chief Olabode George, a PDP leader, saying, “Ask him why he hasn’t won his polling unit for PDP since he joined the party over 20 years ago. I am sure he will blame me for that.”
While the decision to leave the PDP was influenced by internal party dynamics, JANDOR made it clear that his return to the APC was motivated by a desire to prioritize the future of Lagos State. He expressed confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC, emphasizing that the ruling party is more committed to winning elections and delivering good governance.
“When you join APC, you have a leader who prioritizes winning for the party. In Lagos PDP, we had a leader who, at every election cycle, worked against his own party,” JANDOR remarked. He further explained the rationale behind his shift, invoking a popular Yoruba adage: “If a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably wouldn’t know which is better.”
JANDOR also recognized the efforts of the President and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, who had consistently encouraged him to rejoin APC. “I must also recognize 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’,” JANDOR stated. “Upon hearing the news of my resignation from the PDP, President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, immediately called me and said, ‘Egbon, this is the time to come back home.’”
Looking ahead, JANDOR vowed to continue his pursuit of good governance for Lagos State, regardless of whether he himself is on the ballot. “Our return to APC is not about personal ambition. It is a reflection of our commitment to the progress of Lagos State. We are focused on uniting progressives to achieve the aspirations of the people,” he stated.
JANDOR urged his supporters to embrace this new chapter with him. “To all our teeming supporters across the state, this step is taken with the best interest of Lagos at heart. We urge you to join us in building a Lagos that works for everyone.”
