In a surprising turn of events, Olajide Adediran, popularly known as JANDOR, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, has officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The political shift, which marks the end of his brief association with the PDP, was announced during a press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Jandor, along with members of his political group, Lagos4Lagos Movement, had earlier resigned from the PDP, signaling a shift in his political trajectory. During the press briefing, Jandor explained that his decision to return to the APC was not driven by personal ambitions but was based on a greater commitment to the progress and development of Lagos State.
“Our return to APC was not for personal purposes but as a reflection of our commitment to the development of Lagos,” Jandor said during the announcement. He highlighted that his focus was on ensuring that the state continues to grow and that its residents benefit from effective governance.
The announcement marks the latest chapter in the political journey of Jandor, a key figure in the Lagos4Lagos Movement, which was formed to challenge the political status quo in Lagos State and promote better governance. The movement, which was initially part of the PDP, has been pushing for a change in leadership in the state, advocating for policies that would lead to greater inclusiveness and accountability.
Jandor’s return to the APC is seen as a significant development, particularly as Lagos is a major political battleground in Nigeria. The state has long been under the control of the APC, and the move by Jandor and his supporters has raised questions about the direction of the state’s political landscape.
While many had expected Jandor to continue his political journey with the PDP, his shift to the APC comes as part of an effort to align himself with a party that he believes can help bring about the changes he envisions for Lagos. Despite his previous criticisms of the APC, Jandor’s new alliance signals a potential shift in political dynamics within the state.
The PDP and APC have long been rivals in Lagos, with the APC maintaining a dominant presence in the state’s political scene. For many years, the PDP has struggled to make significant inroads, particularly in Lagos, which has been regarded as a stronghold of the APC. However, Jandor’s candidacy in the 2023 governorship election helped to raise the profile of the PDP in the state, and his return to the APC could now potentially impact the future political direction of both parties in Lagos.
Jandor’s decision to leave the PDP also has implications for the party, which had hoped to use his popularity and platform to challenge the APC’s hold on Lagos. His departure from the PDP has created a vacuum in the opposition, raising questions about how the party will regroup and reposition itself in future elections.
The Lagos4Lagos Movement, which was closely associated with Jandor, had focused on addressing issues such as poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for a more inclusive political process in Lagos. The movement’s philosophy was aimed at breaking the dominance of a single political family in the state, which had ruled Lagos for decades. However, with Jandor’s return to the APC, it remains to be seen how the movement will adapt and whether it will continue its push for change within the party.
Jandor’s shift back to the APC also reflects the political fluidity that is common in Nigerian politics, where allegiances can change rapidly depending on the political climate and the pursuit of personal or collective goals. For some analysts, Jandor’s move signals a pragmatic decision to align with the ruling party in Lagos, which continues to maintain strong political and economic control over the state.
The APC, which has been in power in Lagos for several years, has welcomed Jandor’s return, with party members expressing confidence that his political experience and influence will contribute to the growth and development of the state. Party leaders have also highlighted Jandor’s ability to mobilize people and his commitment to ensuring better governance for the people of Lagos.
However, his return to the APC is likely to stir mixed reactions, especially among members of the opposition parties who see it as a betrayal of the ideals of the Lagos4Lagos Movement. Critics argue that Jandor’s move is more about political survival than the development of Lagos. Some have raised concerns that his alignment with the APC might compromise the very reforms he once championed.
Despite the controversy surrounding his decision, Jandor remains firm in his belief that the ultimate goal is to see a better Lagos. He reiterated his stance that his political shift was not motivated by personal gain but by a desire to contribute to the betterment of the state and its people.
The political dynamics in Lagos continue to evolve, and Jandor’s return to the APC is a reminder of how fluid and unpredictable the Nigerian political landscape can be. With the 2023 governorship elections behind him, all eyes are now on what Jandor’s return to the APC means for the party, the opposition, and the future of governance in Lagos.
As Lagos prepares for future elections, political analysts will be closely watching how Jandor’s re-entry into the APC will influence the direction of political campaigns, alliances, and party strategies in the state. Will this move strengthen the APC’s position, or will it create new challenges and opportunities for the opposition? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Jandor’s return to the APC is a pivotal moment in Lagos State’s political history.
