The former governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State during the 2023 general election Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has announced his resignation from the party.
Jandor made the announcement during a press briefing held on Monday at Liberty Place, Ikeja, Lagos, where he was joined by a large group of supporters.
In his statement, Jandor explained that his decision to leave the party was due to ongoing indiscipline and anti-party activities that have become commonplace within the PDP. He specifically pointed to actions by party leaders, including former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George, who, according to Jandor, actively worked against the party during the 2023 elections.
“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 the pursuit of a better Lagos,” Jandor said. “However, it has been 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.”
Jandor also emphasized that this decision was not taken lightly. He affirmed that he and his supporters would consult widely and ultimately make a decision to merge their structure with another platform. “What is majority on the ground now is that we have left the Peoples Democratic Party,” he added.
The decision comes after a long-standing rift between Jandor and Chief Olabode George. Jandor had previously criticized George for not supporting his governorship ambition due to his choice of running mate. George, who backed Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party in the election, has since expressed no regrets about his stance.
In a statement released by Gbenga Ogunleye, Head of Media and Communications for the JANDOR4Governor Campaign Organization, Jandor accused George of a longstanding pattern of undermining the PDP’s efforts. The statement read, “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.”
It continued, “Chief George, while fielding questions on national television, claimed he had no regret for supporting and voting for the Labour Party 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. His attempt to blame the infighting in the party as an excuse for his actions is a failed attempt to hide behind a finger.”
Jandor’s resignation marks a significant development in the ongoing political crisis within the Lagos State PDP, with many of his supporters seeking to reshape the political landscape in the state.
