Jandor returns to APC — one week after meeting Tinubu

Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

At a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, Jandor said his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a “reflection of his unwavering commitment to the development of Lagos”.

Jandor was the governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos in the 2023 general election.

He held a secret meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa last Tuesday.

Jandor was a member of the APC before defecting to the PDP to run for governorship.

The 47-year-old politician accused PDP national leadership of letting him down on the eve of the election, maintaining that he would have won but for a false claim of alliance that made PDP supporters in Lagos vote for another candidate.

At the press briefing, Jandor said he left the PDP because of the inability of the national leadership of the party to instill discipline, and condemned the “anti-party activities” from some party leaders in 2023.

He said since resigning his membership of the PDP, he has held talks with various parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP), before settling for 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,” 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 said his return to the APC is driven by the belief that it is a more effective vehicle for delivering good governance to Lagosians, even if his name is not 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.

“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 appreciated Tinubu for recognising contributions to democracy and nation-building.

He also expressed gratitude to Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president, for encouraging him to return to APC.

Jandor further appreciated Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, who reached out to him immediately he learnt of his resignation from 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,” 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?”