The political landscape of Lagos State experienced a significant shift with the return of Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, better known as Jandor, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Jandor, who had previously contested the 2023 governorship election under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced his defection back to the APC, triggering a wave of reactions from both parties. His return marks a full circle in his political journey, having initially been a member of the APC before his foray into the PDP.
Jandor’s departure from the PDP was not unexpected, given his March 2025 resignation, citing concerns over party discipline and alleged betrayal by party leaders. His tenure as the PDP governorship candidate was marked by internal disputes and accusations, which ultimately culminated in his decision to sever ties. The PDP’s response to his defection, however, painted a picture of Jandor as a disruptive element within their ranks.
The PDP’s Lagos State Deputy Chairman, Tai Benedict, characterized Jandor as an APC “agent” planted to destabilize the party. Benedict claimed to have suspected Jandor’s motives from the outset, accusing him of intentionally sowing discord within the party structure. The PDP narrative portrays Jandor as a calculated disrupter who exploited the party’s internal dynamics to secure the governorship ticket, only to lead them to a resounding defeat in the 2023 elections. The party expressed relief at his departure, viewing it as an opportunity to rebuild and move forward.
The APC, on the other hand, welcomed Jandor back with open arms. Seye Oladejo, the party’s publicity secretary, described Jandor’s return as a homecoming, portraying him as a vibrant young politician who had simply ventured out before realizing the true potential of the APC. Oladejo dismissed the PDP’s accusations, attributing them to their internal disarray and inability to accept their electoral defeats. The APC expressed confidence in Jandor’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the party’s future successes and anticipated further defections from other parties in the coming months.
Jandor’s political maneuver emphasizes the dynamic nature of Nigerian politics, where party affiliations and loyalties can shift rapidly. His return to the APC represents a strategic recalibration, potentially positioning him for future political opportunities within the ruling party. Whether he can successfully navigate the complexities of the APC and re-establish himself as a prominent figure remains to be seen.
This political drama unfolds against the backdrop of the ongoing political realignments in Lagos State. With the next elections on the horizon, the competition for political dominance is intensifying. Jandor’s defection adds another layer of complexity to the evolving political landscape, leaving observers to speculate about its implications for the future political trajectory of both the APC and the PDP in Lagos.
