Soji Orioye, the Lagos State PDP Secretary, discussed the implications of Jide Adediran’s (Jandor) resignation from the party, offering insights into the party’s internal dynamics, performance in the last election, and the role of key party leaders. Orioye downplayed the significance of Jandor’s departure, suggesting it wasn’t a major loss while acknowledging the inherent disappointment in losing any party member. He emphasized individual autonomy in political choices, drawing an analogy to family members having differing preferences. Orioye contended that the PDP had treated Jandor well, particularly by granting him the governorship ticket a mere six months after joining the party, despite the presence of more established members with similar ambitions. The onus, he argued, was on Jandor to explain his decision.
Responding to Jandor’s cited reasons for leaving – internal divisions and crises – Orioye framed these as inherent aspects of politics, emphasizing the competitive nature of the process. He pointed out that Jandor, despite being a newcomer, secured the party’s nomination over long-standing members. Orioye questioned Jandor’s rationale for leaving, particularly given his perceived failure to deliver electoral success. He argued that Jandor’s performance was the worst in the party’s history, implicitly blaming him for the outcome. Orioye painted a picture of Jandor benefiting from the party’s platform and then abandoning those who had built it over decades. The secretary used vivid analogies of familial abandonment to illustrate the perceived betrayal by Jandor. He challenged Jandor’s decision to leave instead of staying to rebuild the party, irrespective of future political realignments or mergers.
Orioye deflected the accusation of blaming Jandor solely for the party’s poor performance. He highlighted the party’s established structures and processes that predated Jandor’s arrival, implying that the blame shouldn’t rest entirely on the candidate. He alluded to internal maneuvering and collaborations between Jandor and some national party leaders that influenced the delegate selection process, giving Jandor significant control over candidate selection across various levels. This control, according to Orioye, juxtaposed with the electoral defeat, shifted the responsibility back towards Jandor. He implied that the existing party structure had done its best, subtly distancing the party from the electoral failure.
Addressing Jandor’s criticisms of party leaders, including Chief Bode George, Orioye defended George’s position as a respected leader and mentor. He attributed the criticisms to post-election frustrations and emphasized the importance of respecting elders, regardless of political differences. Orioye drew parallels to former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s experience, suggesting that even sitting governors faced criticism and that Jandor, who hadn’t even attained such a position, should exercise restraint. This response reinforced the party’s traditional hierarchy and the expectation of deference to established figures.
Regarding the decision to award Jandor the governorship ticket, Orioye acknowledged the complexities of party politics, suggesting that factors beyond merit, such as financial influence or perceived hype, could play a role. He stopped short of directly accusing Jandor of using money to secure the ticket but implied the possibility of such practices. Orioye then pointed to Jandor’s choice of Funke Akindele as his running mate, based on her purported social media following, as a strategic misstep. He questioned the validity of the claimed follower count and argued that, despite the perceived advantage, the electoral results proved otherwise. This further reinforced Orioye’s narrative of Jandor’s misjudgment and responsibility for the party’s poor performance.
Looking ahead, Orioye confirmed the PDP’s participation in upcoming local government elections while maintaining a cautious outlook on the 2027 general elections. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of politics, attributing the outcome to various influences and potential realignments. He mentioned the G-5 governors’ actions in the previous presidential election as an example of such realignments and emphasized the importance of building alliances and leveraging diverse interests, suggesting that mergers and strategic partnerships would be key to future success. Orioye acknowledged the upcoming South-West zonal congress and the positions allocated to the Lagos PDP. However, he remained noncommittal about specific candidates, reiterating the fluid nature of political arrangements and the possibility of unexpected changes.
In summary, Orioye’s interview presents Jandor’s departure as a consequence of his own shortcomings rather than a reflection of deeper issues within the Lagos PDP. He defended the party’s actions, highlighting Jandor’s perceived lack of gratitude and his responsibility for the electoral loss. Orioye underscored the importance of respecting established party leaders like Chief Bode George and hinted at the role of external factors, like financial influence and strategic miscalculations, in the party’s recent performance. His outlook for the future emphasized the need for strategic alliances and adaptability in the ever-shifting landscape of Nigerian politics.
