A group of top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move was led by Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, who was the PDP’s former 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Lagos. They said the PDP has lost its way and is in chaos.

The defectors, who include former candidates, leaders, and key stakeholders, announced their decision on Monday.

Led by Hakeem Amode, the Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary, the group said the PDP no longer upholds its original ideals. They blamed the party’s problems on poor leadership and internal fights, which have weakened it both in Lagos and nationally.

In a press event on Monday at Liberty House in Ikeja, Lagos, Jandor explained that their move was a strategic decision. He declared that the PDP in Lagos has effectively become part of the APC, and their joining signals a new beginning. He also showed the APC flag to the defectors, symbolising their new political home. The official reception by the Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, will happen soon.

The group also cited concerns raised by prominent figures like former Governor Gabriel Suswam and current Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who have expressed doubts about the PDP’s future and its ability to field candidates in the 2027 elections.

The defectors officially resigned from the PDP and openly declared their support for Jandor’s leadership. They believe that joining the APC will help them better serve Lagos residents and bring real change to the state and Nigeria at large..

According to Amode, “The PDP at both national and state levels has lost its way. It has drifted from its original goals and is now full of tension and confusion. Former Governor Suswam even said the PDP is in a ‘coma’ and might not survive unless urgent steps are taken.”

He added that under the current leadership, the party has become divided and weak. During the 2023 elections, we worked really hard campaigning for Jandor, risking our lives and facing attacks in places like Surulere, Kosofe, Agege, and Badagry. Sadly, the party leadership didn’t support us; some even encouraged people to vote for the opposition. So, we should join a party that’s strong and alive — the APC.”

Who Are the Defectors?

1. Hakeem Amode – Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary
2. Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem – Former Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, PDP, Lagos
3. Chief Ola Apena – Former Deputy Chairman, PDP Lagos
4. Prince Rufus Ademola Adeniyi – Former Assistant Organising Secretary, PDP Lagos
5. Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo) – Former House of Representatives Candidate, Surulere
6. Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye – Spokesman for the 2023 PDP Gubernatorial Candidate
7. Hon. Keshinro Abiodun – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Epe
8. Akeem Jinadu – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Eti-Osa
9. Hon. Ibrahim Balogun – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Kosofe
10. Taofeek Bolaji Obanikoro – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Lagos Island
11. Tunde Pratt – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Lagos Mainland
12. Saheed Aregbesola – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Oshodi-Isolo
13. Sulaimon A. Thompson – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Surulere
14. Taofeek O. Kuye – 2023 PDP LAHA Candidate, Ajeromi-Ifelodun
15. Adeyemi Kazeem – Former Chairman, Ojo Local Government

This move marks a significant shift in Lagos politics, with key figures now aligning with the APC in hopes of a better future for the state and President Bola Tinubu’s renewed agenda.