Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, on Monday, announced his return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jandor explained that his decision to rejoin the APC was
based on the party’s viability and capacity to win elections, emphasizing that
the interest of Lagos State was paramount.
Announcing his defection at a media briefing held at Liberty
Place, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, Jandor expressed confidence that the APC
would win the 2027 elections at both the national and state levels.
His return comes after a closed-door meeting with President
Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, Abuja, last week, where undisclosed matters were
discussed. Before meeting Tinubu, Jandor also consulted with several political
leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former President Ibrahim
Babangida, former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and 2023 SDP
Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
Jandor had previously resigned from the PDP on March 3,
2025, citing issues such as:
Indiscipline and anti-party activities
Betrayal by party leadership on the eve of the Lagos
governorship election
False claims of an alliance that misled PDP supporters into
voting for another candidate
“Since resigning from PDP, we have engaged in wide
consultations with our political associates, followers, and supporters across
the state,” Jandor said.
He revealed that he had discussions with leaders of the
Social Democratic Party (SDP), APC, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Young
Progressive Party (YPP), and others before deciding on a new political
platform.
“While PDP at the national level urged us to reconsider our
resignation, the Lagos chapter launched a campaign of calumny against us. I
listened to their media vituperations and their excuses for our loss at the
polls,” he stated.
Jandor challenged PDP leaders, including Chief Olabode
George, on their failure to deliver electoral victories for the party in Lagos
over the years.
“Ask Chief Olabode George why he has never won his polling
unit for PDP in over 20 years. I won mine for PDP in both the Presidential and
Governorship elections,” he said.
Jandor defended his return to the APC, saying: “Before you
remind me why we left APC, let me respond with a Yoruba adage: ‘If a woman has
not tried two husbands, she may not know which is better.’”
He described APC as a party focused on winning elections, in
contrast to PDP’s internal divisions.
“In APC, we have a leader who, despite any flaws in
selection choices, is committed to ensuring the party wins elections for the
benefit of members and the state.”
He expressed frustration over PDP’s repeated electoral
failures in Lagos, saying: “While in Lagos PDP, we had a leader who, at every
election cycle, worked against his own party. We have chosen the better
alternative.”
Jandor emphasized that his decision was about Lagos State’s
future, adding that he would support APC’s electoral success, regardless of
whether he is on the ballot or not.
“Our return to APC is not about personal ambition but about
ensuring Lagos continues to progress under a winning party.”
Jandor disclosed that Seyi Tinubu, son of the President,
personally reached out to him after his PDP resignation, urging him to return
to APC.
“Upon hearing of my resignation, Seyi Tinubu called me
immediately, saying, ‘Egbon, this is the time to come back home.’”
He also commended Chief of Staff to the President, Femi
Gbajabiamila, for consistently urging him for over a year to return to the
ruling party.
Jandor assured President Tinubu of his commitment to
contributing to the administration’s vision for Lagos and Nigeria.
“We are ready to bring our experience and energy to the APC
in achieving inclusive development for Lagosians.”
He urged his supporters to embrace the new chapter,
reaffirming his dedication to service, integrity, and progress.
“Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a
better Lagos for present and future generations.”
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