The Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, has said President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and son, Seyi Tinubu, persuaded him to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adediran aka Jandor announced this on Monday in his office in Ikeja, Lagos.
“Our return to the APC is not a decision made lightly. It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos State and our belief that unity among progressives is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of our people.”
Jandor told his supporters that his joining the APC was in Lagos’ best interest and asked them to follow him.
“We remain committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations,” he said.
He said “I must also recognize the relentless efforts of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, who has been on our case for over one year to return ‘home’, and join hands with Mr. President.
“Upon hearing the news of my resignation from the PDP, the President’s son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu immediately put a call across to say “Egbon, this is the time to come back home.” Prior to that time, Seyi had exhibited the learnings he has had from the best and reached out, asking for support for the administration of his father, the President. What more can a father ask for.”
On March 3, he denounced his membership of the PDP without saying which party he would join, just as he said he quit the PDP because of its indiscipline and its leaders’ inability to address anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections.
Three days ago, he met with President Bola Tinubu, signaling his likelihood of returning to the APC.
While returning to the APC, Adediran said “after extensive consultations with family, political associates, elder statesmen, supporters, and well-meaning Lagosians who share our vision for a greater and more prosperous Lagos, and in identifying that the primary reason a political party exists is to win elections and ultimately form the government to contribute to the welfare, security and total development of the people, we wish to formally announce that we have decided to join a political party that considers winning for its members as top priority, not minding who is on the ballot.
Among the parties he consulted he said were the Social Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, and Young Progressive Party, before opting for the APC.
“We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress.”
Jandor who was a member of the ruling party, spoke of why he left the APC and likened his experience to a Yoruba adage about learning from different situations.
“Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons upon which we left the APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage that says if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better.
“In APC, we have a leader, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers and the state.
“While in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that will, at every election cycle work against his own party, and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers. We have chosen the better alternative,” he stated.
