- Jandor blamed PDP leadership for failing him just before the election, affecting his chances of winning.
- He stated his return to APC was to ensure good governance in Lagos, even if he isn’t a candidate.
Abdul-Azeez Adediran, also called Jandor, has officially rejoined the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a media briefing in Lagos on Monday, Jandor stated that leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was a “reflection of his unwavering commitment to the development of Lagos.”
Jandor previously contested as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in Lagos during the 2023 general elections.
Last Tuesday, he secretly met with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa.
Jandor was originally a member of the APC before switching to the PDP to contest the governorship seat.
The 47-year-old politician blamed PDP’s national leadership for failing him just before the election, insisting he could have won without the misleading alliance claims.
According to him, PDP supporters in Lagos were misled into voting for a different candidate due to a false claim of political collaboration.
At the press briefing, Jandor stated that his departure from PDP resulted from the leadership’s failure to enforce discipline among party members.
He criticised the “anti-party activities” of certain PDP leaders in 2023, describing them as a significant problem.
After resigning from PDP, Jandor engaged in discussions with several political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP).
“In the process of consultation, we had crucial discussions with some leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), All Progressive Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Young Progressive Party (YPP) among others,” he said.
“We equally had a truth-sharing engagement with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level on the likelihood of rescinding a resignation from the party if the identified wrongs could be corrected.”
Jandor explained that he returned to the APC because he believes it is the best platform for achieving good governance in Lagos, regardless of his candidacy.
“While we remain proud of the campaign we ran and the support we garnered, we believe that working within the fold of the APC offers a more viable platform to deliver on our promises of good governance for all Lagosians, even if I am not the one on the ballot,” he said.
“Our return to the APC is not a decision made lightly. It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos state and our belief that unity among progressives is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of our people.”
Jandor thanked Tinubu for acknowledging his contributions to democracy and national development.
He also extended appreciation to Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, for persuading him to return to APC.
Jandor further expressed gratitude to Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, who reached out to him immediately after learning of his PDP resignation.
“Let me once again extend our sincere gratitude to the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recognized our modest contributions to democracy and nation building,” he added.
“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’, and join hands with Mr. President.
“Upon hearing the news of my resignation from the PDP, the President’s son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu immediately put a call across to say ‘Egbon, this is the time to come back home’.
“Prior to that time, Seyi had exhibited the learnings he has had from the best and reached out, asking for support for the administration of his father, the President. What more can a father ask for?”
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