Why I Returned To APC After Dumping PDP – Jandor

The former governorship candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, better known as Jandor, has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jandor made the announcement on Monday, March 17, at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, just weeks after resigning from the PDP.

He cited ongoing internal conflicts and a lack of discipline within the party as his main reasons for leaving, expressing frustration over its failure to address anti-party activities during the 2023 elections.

Reflecting on his experience, Jandor said, “Our story in the PDP was a case of working with perennial political saboteurs but we have resolved to love our future much more than we hate our past.”

The politician explained that after thorough discussions with family, political allies, and supporters, he decided to join a party that prioritizes winning elections and governance.

“After extensive consultations with family, political associates, elder statesmen, supporters, and well-meaning Lagosians who share our vision for a greater and more prosperous Lagos, and in identifying that the primary reason a political party exists is to win elections and ultimately form the government to contribute to the welfare, security and total development of the people, we wish to formally announce that we have decided to join a political party that considers winning for its members as top priority, not minding who is on the ballot.

“We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress,” he stated.

Before making his decision, Jandor explored options with other political groups, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Young Progressive Party (YPP). However, he ultimately felt that returning to the APC was the best choice.

Addressing concerns about his previous departure from the ruling party, he used a Yoruba proverb to illustrate his point saying, “Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons upon which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage that says if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better.”

He acknowledged that while the APC has its flaws, it has strong leadership committed to winning elections, stressing that the Lagos PDP is working against itself and repeatedly crushing the hopes of its members during election cycles.

“In APC, we have a leader, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers and the state,”  he stated.

“While in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that will, at every election cycle work against his own party, and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers. We have chosen the better alternative.

“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 also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who had been urging him to return to the APC for over a year.

He further mentioned that Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, personally reached out after hearing about his PDP resignation, encouraging him to come back to the party.

Jandor stated, “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.

“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.”

Assuring his supporters that this decision was made in the best interest of Lagos, Jandor called on them to stand with him as he embarks on this new political journey.

“We remain committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations,” he concluded.

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