A former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has resigned from the party.
Jandor made the announcement on Monday during a press conference at Liberty Place in Ikeja, Lagos. He accused the PDP leadership of engaging in anti-party activities and lacking discipline, which he claimed had become the norm within the party.
“I am here before you today with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. We have dedicated ourselves to the ideals of democracy, good governance, and a pursuit of a better Lagos,” he said.
He explained that his decision to leave was influenced by the actions of certain party leaders, including former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George, who, according to Jandor, worked against the PDP during the 2023 elections.
Jandor stated, “It has become evident that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, both at the national and state levels, has failed to uphold these principles. The persistent anti-party activities, internal sabotage, and lack of discipline have led me and my supporters to leave.”
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The former PDP candidate, accompanied by a large group of supporters, revealed that he would consult widely before deciding which political platform to join next.
“We will consult widely with everybody and then take the decision to collapse our structure into another platform. What is clear now is that we have left the PDP,” he added.
Jandor’s resignation did not come as a surprise to many, as he had previously clashed with some PDP chieftains over his choice of running mate for the 2023 election. One of his major critics was Chief Bode George, who openly refused to support his candidacy. Instead, George backed Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party candidate in the election, a decision he later justified.
George, in a media interview, stated that he had no regrets about not supporting Jandor. He argued that internal conflicts within the Lagos PDP made it difficult to rally behind the party’s candidate.
In response, the JANDOR4Governor Campaign Organisation, through its Head of Media and Communications, Gbenga Ogunleye, accused George of working against the PDP’s interests in Lagos.
“Our attention has been drawn to a statement made by Chief Olabode George justifying his treacherous action during the recently held governorship election in Lagos State,” the statement read.
“It is not surprising that Chief Bode George, as his usual practice, worked against the interest of the PDP again. But his attempt to blame the infighting in the party as an excuse and a justification for his action is a failed attempt to hide behind a finger,” it added.
Jandor’s resignation marks another major setback for the PDP in Lagos, a state where the party has struggled to gain power. Many political observers believe his departure could weaken the party’s structure ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, Jandor’s next political move remains uncertain, but speculations suggest he might align with another opposition party to continue his political ambitions.