In a political move creating ripples in Lagos State’s political landscape, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) back to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The former PDP gubernatorial candidate’s return to the ruling party comes barely a year after his bid to unseat the APC-led administration in the 2023 elections.
Jandor, who left the APC in 2021 to lead the PDP’s charge in Lagos State, cited internal party divisions and a lack of cohesion within the PDP as key reasons for his return. Addressing supporters and party leaders at the APC headquarters in Lagos, he described his homecoming as a strategic step towards aligning with a platform that offers “genuine political stability and opportunities to serve the people of Lagos effectively.”
Political Implications
Jandor’s return to the APC has sparked varied reactions across political circles. Analysts see this as a calculated move, both for his political future and for the APC’s dominance in Lagos. With Lagos being a traditional APC stronghold, his defection could signal a further weakening of the PDP’s opposition in the state.
A senior APC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, welcomed Jandor back, stating that his experience and political influence would further strengthen the party’s base in Lagos. “Jandor’s return is a confirmation of the APC’s resilience and strategic positioning. We are open to experienced politicians who can contribute to the party’s success,” the official said.
However, within the PDP, Jandor’s defection has been met with criticism. Some party members accuse him of being an opportunist who never fully committed to the party’s ideology. A PDP chieftain remarked, “This only proves that he was never truly PDP. He came to divide and weaken the party.”
What’s Next for Jandor?
With his return to the APC, political observers are keen to see what role Jandor will play within the party. Will he contest for office in 2027 under the APC, or will he be given an administrative role within the Lagos State government? His next political steps will determine whether his move was a personal strategy for survival or a genuine ideological alignment.
Meanwhile, PDP is left to regroup and rebuild in Lagos, where internal strife and defections have continued to threaten its chances of breaking the APC’s stronghold.
Jandor’s defection underscores a broader trend in Nigerian politics—where party loyalty is often secondary to strategic positioning. As Lagos politics evolve, his decision to return to the APC may have far-reaching consequences for both parties and the future of opposition politics in the state.
