In a significant political shift, Olajide Adediran, the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), commonly known as Jandor, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This announcement was made during a press conference on Monday, just weeks after he resigned from the PDP.
Following his departure from the PDP, Jandor met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, signalling a strategic move towards re-establishing his political influence within the APC.
Reasons for Defection
At the press conference, Jandor articulated his reasons for leaving the PDP, citing the party’s national leadership’s failure to address members engaging in anti-party activities during the 2023 elections. He emphasized that his decision was made after extensive consultations with various political parties and stakeholders, all aimed at finding a platform that would better serve the people of Lagos State.
“On March 3, 2025, we announced our resignation from the PDP due to the national leadership’s inability to enforce discipline and address anti-party actions. Since then, we’ve engaged in wide-ranging discussions with political associates across the state and country,” he stated.
Despite pressures from the PDP to reconsider his resignation, Jandor noted that the Lagos State chapter was engaged in a smear campaign against him. He specifically called out Chief Bode George, attributing some of the party’s challenges in Lagos to his influence and questioning his long-standing leadership within the party.
Choosing the APC
When asked about his choice to join the APC, Jandor explained that it was a decision made after thoughtful deliberation and community input. He believes the APC prioritizes winning elections and working towards the welfare and development of its constituents.
“After consulting with my political associates and well-meaning Lagosians, I realized that a party’s primary role is to secure elections and form a government that advances people’s welfare,” he said. He likened his return to the APC to trying out different political ‘husbands’ to find a better fit.
Jandor expressed confidence in the APC’s leadership, especially citing President Tinubu’s commitment to winning for the party and the state, contrasting it with the challenges he faced within the PDP.
Support from APC Leaders
In his statement, Jandor acknowledged the crucial support he received from several APC leaders in facilitating his return, particularly President Tinubu, his son Seyi Tinubu, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. Their encouragement played a pivotal role in his decision to rejoin the party.
“I am grateful to President Tinubu for recognizing our contributions to democracy, and to Femi Gbajabiamila for his persistent outreach over the past year. Seyi Tinubu’s encouragement to return home reinforced my decision,” he remarked.
Jandor concluded his address by assuring his supporters that this move aims to benefit Lagos State. He reiterated his dedication to the values of service, integrity, and progress, calling for unity as they embark on this new chapter together.
“Together, we will champion the cause of a better Lagos for current and future generations. Thank you, and may God bless Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded, signing off on a hopeful note.
