Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, on Monday, announced his return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jandor explained that his decision to rejoin the APC was based on the party’s viability and capacity to win elections, emphasizing that the interest of Lagos State was paramount.
Announcing his defection at a media briefing held at Liberty Place, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, Jandor expressed confidence that the APC would win the 2027 elections at both the national and state levels.
His return comes after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, Abuja, last week, where undisclosed matters were discussed. Before meeting Tinubu, Jandor also consulted with several political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former President Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and 2023 SDP Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
Jandor had previously resigned from the PDP on March 3, 2025, citing issues such as:
Indiscipline and anti-party activities
Betrayal by party leadership on the eve of the Lagos governorship election
False claims of an alliance that misled PDP supporters into voting for another candidate
“Since resigning from PDP, we have engaged in wide consultations with our political associates, followers, and supporters across the state,” Jandor said.
He revealed that he had discussions with leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), APC, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and others before deciding on a new political platform.
“While PDP at the national level urged us to reconsider our resignation, the Lagos chapter launched a campaign of calumny against us. I listened to their media vituperations and their excuses for our loss at the polls,” he stated.
Jandor challenged PDP leaders, including Chief Olabode George, on their failure to deliver electoral victories for the party in Lagos over the years.
“Ask Chief Olabode George why he has never won his polling unit for PDP in over 20 years. I won mine for PDP in both the Presidential and Governorship elections,” he said.
Jandor defended his return to the APC, saying: “Before you remind me why we left APC, let me respond with a Yoruba adage: ‘If a woman has not tried two husbands, she may not know which is better.’”
He described APC as a party focused on winning elections, in contrast to PDP’s internal divisions.
“In APC, we have a leader who, despite any flaws in selection choices, is committed to ensuring the party wins elections for the benefit of members and the state.”
He expressed frustration over PDP’s repeated electoral failures in Lagos, saying: “While in Lagos PDP, we had a leader who, at every election cycle, worked against his own party. We have chosen the better alternative.”
Jandor emphasized that his decision was about Lagos State’s future, adding that he would support APC’s electoral success, regardless of whether he is on the ballot or not.
“Our return to APC is not about personal ambition but about ensuring Lagos continues to progress under a winning party.”
Jandor disclosed that Seyi Tinubu, son of the President, personally reached out to him after his PDP resignation, urging him to return to APC.
“Upon hearing of my resignation, Seyi Tinubu called me immediately, saying, ‘Egbon, this is the time to come back home.’”
He also commended Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, for consistently urging him for over a year to return to the ruling party.
Jandor assured President Tinubu of his commitment to contributing to the administration’s vision for Lagos and Nigeria.
“We are ready to bring our experience and energy to the APC in achieving inclusive development for Lagosians.”
He urged his supporters to embrace the new chapter, reaffirming his dedication to service, integrity, and progress.
“Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations.”
