Lagos PDP criticises Jandor’s return to APC, calling him an agent sent to destabilise the party, while APC welcomes him back with open arms
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, following his defection back to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Jandor, who was the PDP’s governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, made his return to the APC official during a news conference on Monday, marking the culmination of his resignation from the PDP earlier in March 2025.
In his resignation, Jandor cited a lack of discipline within the PDP and betrayal by its leaders as key reasons for his departure.
However, the PDP’s Deputy Chairman in Lagos, Tai Benedict, had a scathing response, calling Jandor a plant by the APC to destabilise the party.
Benedict claimed that from the outset, Jandor had been an agent sent to divide the PDP, stating, “He was never our own. He was an agent sent to our party to destroy our party.”
Benedict revealed that he had suspected Jandor’s true allegiance from the moment he joined the party, recalling a conversation where he directly confronted him.
“The very first time I saw him, I told him to explain – that you are an agent of the APC, sent to our party because they knew we had a bright chance to win that election,” Benedict said.
He added that while Jandor denied the claims, his actions within the party eventually confirmed Benedict’s suspicions, with the former Lagos PDP candidate allegedly working to destabilise the party and accusing its leaders.
The Deputy Chairman also criticised Jandor’s handling of the 2023 governorship election, including his decision to pick Funke Akindele, a popular actress, as his running mate.
Benedict dismissed the move as misguided, pointing out that despite Akindele’s large Instagram following, the PDP only secured 62,000 votes, highlighting the failure of Jandor’s strategy.
“For me, I thank God that he has left our party,” Benedict concluded, acknowledging that while it’s not ideal to lose members, Jandor’s exit was a relief for the party.
Meanwhile, the APC in Lagos has welcomed Jandor back into the fold, praising his ambition and political acumen.
APC’s publicity secretary, Seye Oladejo, remarked that Jandor had returned to the party where his ambitions could be realised, especially after his unsuccessful attempt to challenge the APC in the 2023 elections.
Oladejo also expressed confidence that Jandor’s return would be beneficial for the party, stating, “We’re happy to work with him. We appreciate the fact that Lagos has been better and safer in the hands of the progressives.”
He also hinted that more defections to the APC were expected in the coming days, as the party prepares for the next election. Oladejo dismissed the PDP’s claims that Jandor had been planted by the APC to destabilise the opposition, accusing the PDP of being incompetent and unable to mobilise support.
He stated, “We’re talking about a party that’s perpetually in crisis. The electorates in Lagos are informed, they are sophisticated.”
Jandor’s defection highlights the ongoing political drama in Lagos, as the APC and PDP continue their rivalry for dominance in the state.
While the PDP brands his return as a strategic betrayal, the APC sees it as an opportunity to strengthen its position ahead of future elections.
