The Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, after he rejoined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Jandor, the PDP’s governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, announced his return to the APC during a press conference in Lagos on Monday. His defection follows his resignation from the PDP on March 3, 2025, when he cited a lack of discipline and betrayal by party leaders as reasons for his exit.
Jandor, who leads the Lagos4Lagos Movement, was once an APC member before switching to the PDP ahead of the 2023 polls. In an interview with our correspondent on Monday, Lagos PDP Deputy Chairman Tai Benedict dismissed Jandor as a disloyal outsider, alleging he was an APC “agent” planted to sabotage the PDP. “He was never one of us,” Benedict claimed. “From the moment I met him, I suspected he was sent by the APC to undermine our party, especially since we had a strong chance of winning that election. He denied it, but time proved me right.”
Benedict accused Jandor of sowing discord within the PDP from the start, disrupting its unity and securing the governorship ticket through questionable means. “He came in, attacked our leaders, and destabilized a united party all the way to the national level,” he said. “It’s unprecedented—he even handpicked his running mate, Funke Akindele, claiming her three million Instagram followers would guarantee victory. Yet, we ended up with just 62,000 votes.” Benedict expressed relief at Jandor’s departure, adding, “Losing members isn’t ideal, but when someone like Jandor leaves, it’s a blessing.”
In contrast, the APC warmly embraced Jandor’s return, with Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo describing him as “a vibrant young man” reconnecting with his political roots. Speaking on Monday, Oladejo said the APC was eager to collaborate with Jandor, emphasizing the party’s progressive track record in Lagos. “He joined us with ambition, but the PDP couldn’t deliver on his goals—it’s a party consistently rejected by Lagosians,” Oladejo remarked. “We’re confident he can contribute to our ongoing success and the growth of our party.”
Oladejo also hinted at more defections to come, stating, “As we near the next election, we expect additional politicians to join us.” He brushed off the PDP’s claim that Jandor was an APC mole, calling it a sign of the opposition’s desperation. “The PDP is a party in perpetual crisis, incapable of organizing itself, let alone governing,” he said. “Lagos voters are sophisticated—they see through these excuses for incompetence and failure to mobilize support.”
Jandor’s defection marks a significant shift in Lagos politics, highlighting the PDP’s struggles and the APC’s dominance as the state gears up for future elections.
