The political landscape of Lagos State witnessed a significant event on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, as Dr. Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, paid a courtesy visit to the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Ikeja. This visit, occurring shortly after the gubernatorial elections, signaled a potential shift in the political dynamics of the state, as Jandor, formerly a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had returned to his former party after contesting the governorship under the PDP banner. The meeting between the two political figures, held behind closed doors, sparked considerable interest and speculation among political observers and the general public.
Following the private meeting, Jandor addressed journalists, shedding light on the purpose and outcome of his visit. He extended his congratulations to Governor Sanwo-Olu on his re-election, acknowledging the governor’s victory and commending him for the warm reception he received. Jandor emphasized the significance of his return to the APC, describing it as a homecoming and a reunion with his political family. He underscored the importance of unity within the party, attributing the outcome of the previous election to internal divisions. His return, he suggested, symbolized a renewed commitment to consolidating the party’s strength and working together towards a common goal.
Jandor’s account of his interaction with Governor Sanwo-Olu painted a picture of cordiality and mutual respect. He praised the governor’s composure and calmness during the often-tense election campaign, suggesting that these qualities contributed significantly to Sanwo-Olu’s victory. This acknowledgment of the governor’s demeanor transcended the typical partisan rhetoric, indicating a willingness to recognize positive attributes in political opponents. Jandor’s comments signaled a potential shift towards a more constructive and less divisive political environment in Lagos State.
Beyond the congratulatory aspect of the visit, Jandor emphasized the broader message it conveyed about political maturity and the importance of unity beyond party lines. He framed the visit as a symbolic gesture, demonstrating that political leaders can engage constructively and respectfully, irrespective of their party affiliations. He argued that such interactions are essential for fostering a healthy political climate where the development and progress of the state are prioritized over personal or partisan interests. Jandor’s emphasis on unity and constructive engagement served as a call for a more mature and collaborative approach to politics in Lagos State.
Jandor’s political journey, marked by his transition from the APC to the PDP and back, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Prior to his gubernatorial bid under the PDP, Jandor was a prominent member of the APC and the convener of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, a group advocating for internal reforms and democratic processes within the party. This background provides context for his return to the APC, suggesting a possible reconciliation and a renewed commitment to working within the party structure. His return to the APC could also signal a potential realignment of political forces within the party and potentially reshape the political landscape of Lagos State in the coming years.
The visit of Jandor to Governor Sanwo-Olu presents a multifaceted picture of the political dynamics in Lagos State. It represents not only a courtesy call and a congratulatory gesture but also a symbolic demonstration of political maturity and a call for unity and constructive engagement across party lines. Jandor’s return to the APC, after his foray into the PDP, adds another dimension to the story, raising questions about the future political landscape of the state. Whether this visit marks a genuine shift towards a more collaborative political environment or simply a strategic move within the complex game of politics remains to be seen. However, it undoubtedly signifies a notable development in the ongoing political narrative of Lagos State.
