Ex-Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate, Jandor, Quits Party, Cites Indiscipline and Anti-Party Activities
Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State during the 2023 general elections, has officially resigned from the party. The announcement was made during a press briefing held on Monday at Liberty Place, Ikeja, Lagos, where Jandor was accompanied by a significant number of his supporters.
Jandor’s departure comes after what he described as “persistent indiscipline and anti-party activities” within the PDP. He claimed that such behavior had become entrenched within the party’s leadership, particularly during the lead-up to the 2023 elections. The former PDP candidate pointed to key party figures, including the former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, as contributors to his decision to leave.
“I stand before you today with a heavy heart but a clear conscience,” Jandor stated. “We dedicated ourselves to the ideals of democracy, good governance, and a better Lagos. Unfortunately, it has become evident that the leadership of the PDP, both at the national and state levels, has failed to uphold these principles. The persistent sabotage, internal divisions, and lack of discipline within the party have led me and my supporters to take this decision.”
Jandor further elaborated on his reasons for parting ways with the PDP, stressing that the party’s leadership had failed to provide the unity and direction needed for progress. According to him, several senior figures actively undermined the party’s interests during the 2023 elections, including Chief Olabode George, who supported a rival candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party, instead of Jandor.
This division between Jandor and George was a prominent issue during the campaign, with Jandor accusing George of working against his candidacy due to a disagreement over his choice of running mate. George, on his part, has publicly stated that he has no regrets about his support for Rhodes-Vivour, a stance that further deepened the rift within the party.
In a statement issued by the JANDOR4Governor Campaign Organisation, Jandor accused Chief George of repeatedly destabilizing the PDP for his personal gain, thus preventing the party from presenting a unified front. “Chief George’s modus operandi during each election cycle is to attack the PDP candidate and destabilize the party, paving the way for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power,” the statement read.
Jandor also addressed George’s comments justifying his actions, calling them an attempt to cover up his betrayal of the party. “It is not surprising that Chief George, as is his usual practice, worked against the interest of the PDP again,” the statement added.
The decision to leave the PDP appears to be a broader move toward a fresh political direction for Jandor and his supporters. He confirmed that he and his team would soon engage in widespread consultations to determine their next steps, which could involve joining another political platform. “What is clear is that we have left the PDP,” Jandor stated.
Jandor’s resignation is yet another chapter in the ongoing struggle within Lagos PDP, which has been marked by internal disputes and power struggles. As he and his supporters seek new political avenues, the ripple effects of his exit may have significant implications for the party’s future in Lagos State.
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