UPDATED: Ex-Lagos PDP gov candidate, Jandor, dumps party

A former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2023 general election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has dumped the party.

Jandor announced his resignation at a press briefing held at Liberty Place, Ikeja, in Lagos on Monday.

According to him, his reasons for leaving the party are not unconnected to indiscipline and anti-party activities, which have become the norm in his erstwhile party.

The ex-PDP governorship candidate, who a large group of supporters accompanied, revealed that the decision to part ways with the PDP stemmed from actions taken by some of the party’s leaders, including the former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George.

According to Jandor, these leaders actively worked 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.

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“We will consult widely with everybody and then take the decision to collapse our structure to another platform. What is majority on the ground now is that we have left the Peoples Democratic Party,” Jandor stated.

Reports has it 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, claimed 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 said Bode George’s modus operandi during each election cycle is to attack the PDP candidate and destabilise the party, thus paving the way for the APC to remain in 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.”