The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 Lagos state governorship election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has dumped the party.
Jandor announced his resignation during a press conference at Liberty Place in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday.
According to him, his motives for leaving the party are linked to indiscipline and anti-party acts that had been the standard in his previous party.
The ex-PDP gubernatorial candidate, who was joined by a giant group of supporters, claimed that the decision to leave the party was influenced by actions done by certain of its officials, including former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George.
According to Jandor, these leaders played a pivotal role in working against the PDP in the 2023 elections.
He said, “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.
“However, it has been found 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.
“We will consult widely with everybody and then take the decision to collapse our structure to another platform. What is the majority on the ground now is that we have left the Peoples Democratic Party,” Jandor stated.
It was gathered that Jandor had, in preparation for the 2023 general election, tackled the chieftain of their party in Lagos, Chief Bode George, because he didn’t support his ambition due to his choice of running mate.
George, who supported Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party candidate in the election, stated that he had no regrets about not supporting Jandor.
However, in a statement signed by Gbenga Ogunleye, Head, Media and Communications, JANDOR4Governor Campaign Organisation, Jandor stated that Bode George’s modus operandi during each election cycle is to attack the PDP candidate and destabilize the party, thus paving the way for the APC to retain power.
The full statement reads, “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.”.
“Chief George, while fielding questions on national television yesterday, said he had no regret for supporting and voting for the Labour Party governorship candidate against the candidate of his supposed political party, the Peoples Democratic Party.”
“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.”
