LAGOS, Nigeria – Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has officially returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in Lagos State’s political landscape.
The 47-year-old politician, who was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, announced his defection at a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Jandor, a former member of the APC before defecting to the PDP, attributed his decision to rejoin the ruling party to his “unwavering commitment to the development of Lagos.”
He also cited the PDP’s inability to instill discipline and address anti-party activities as key reasons for his departure.
“I left the PDP because of the inability of the national leadership of the party to instil discipline, and I condemned the anti-party activities from some party leaders in 2023,” Jandor said.
The politician revealed that he had held a secret meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa last Tuesday, following his resignation from the PDP.
He also disclosed that he had engaged in consultations with leaders of other political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP), before deciding to return to the APC.
“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,” Jandor 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 expressed confidence that the APC offers a more effective platform for delivering good governance to Lagosians, even if he is not the one on the ballot.
“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.
He also thanked President Tinubu for recognising his contributions to democracy and nation-building, as well as Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, for encouraging his return to the APC.
Jandor further expressed gratitude to Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, who reached out to him immediately after learning of his resignation from the PDP.
“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,” Jandor said.
“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.”
He added, “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?”
The PDP has yet to issue an official response to Jandor’s defection. However, political analysts suggest that his move could have significant implications for the opposition party’s prospects in Lagos and beyond.
