Defection: We’ll miss only his shenanigans, nothing good about him — PDP criticises Jandor
…Lagos APC welcomes Jandor, says more to join party in coming weeks
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted strongly to the defection of its 2023 governorship candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing his departure as inconsequential.
The PDP asserted that Adediran’s exit held no real significance for the party, claiming that his time within its ranks had been marked by disruptive conduct rather than meaningful contributions. The party further accused him of weakening its structure during his tenure.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, the Lagos State PDP Vice Chairman (Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, maintained that the party had no regrets over Adediran’s defection.
“We have nothing of value to miss about him—only the distractions he created,” Olalemi remarked, alleging that his activities had been detrimental to the party’s cohesion and progress.
He further accused Adediran of infiltrating the PDP with ulterior motives, claiming that he had worked against the party’s interests rather than strengthening its position in Lagos politics.
“He joined us not to build but to dismantle the party from within,” Olalemi asserted, stressing that Adediran’s presence had been more of a liability than an asset.
While acknowledging Adediran’s right to align with any political group of his choice, Olalemi was resolute in his view that the PDP was better off without him.
“He is at liberty to leave any political association and join another, but his departure has, in reality, rid us of unnecessary disruptions,” he added.
Olalemi also took aim at both the national and state leadership of the PDP, criticising the manner in which Adediran was handed the party’s governorship ticket for the 2023 elections. According to him, the decision had significantly contributed to the party’s underwhelming performance at the polls.
Despite this setback, Olalemi assured supporters that the PDP remained committed to rebuilding and strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adediran, who had previously defected from the APC to the PDP in 2021, officially resigned from the PDP on 3 March 2025, citing issues of indiscipline and betrayal within the party. His return to the APC has sparked fresh political discourse in Lagos, with both parties exchanging criticisms over his influence and impact in the state’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the ruling APC has welcomed Adediran back into its fold, expressing optimism about his return.
In a statement issued on Monday, APC spokesperson Mr Seye Oladejo affirmed that the party was pleased to have him back, stressing the importance of unity and collective progress.
“He (Adediran) is back where he belongs,” Oladejo said. “We are pleased that he now recognises Lagos State is best governed under the progressive leadership that has consistently earned the people’s trust and support.”
Oladejo also expressed confidence that Adediran would play a positive role in advancing the APC’s agenda and contributing to the continued success of the Lagos government.
“We anticipate more political realignments in the coming days,” he added.
