By Adeyemi Adeleye
Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), the 2023 governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Monday explained why he decided to return to the All Progressives Congress, APC alongside his supporters
Jandor announced his return to the APC at a news conference on Monday in Lagos.
Adediran, leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, announced his resignation from the PDP on March 3, citing lack of discipline in the party and betrayal by its leaders.
He was previously a member of APC before joining PDP.
Jandor added that his decision to return to the APC was not made lightly.
He said he returned to APC after due consultations.
Adediran said: “We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former PDP governorship candidate said he decided to return to APC because he has now realized that the party is a more viable platform to deliver on promises of good governance for all Lagosians
He said this was regardless of the fact of whether he will be on the ballot or not in the next election.
“We have chosen the better alternative. We believe that working within the fold of the APC offers a more viable platform to deliver on our promises of good governance for all Lagosians, even if I am not the one on the ballot.
“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.”
Adediran expressed gratitude to the President Bola Tinubu for recognising his team’s modest contributions to democracy and nation building.
He also recognised the relentless efforts of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, “who has been on our case for over one year to return and join hands with Mr President.”
He added that upon hearing the news of his resignation from the PDP, the President’s son, Mr Seyi Tinubu, immediately called him on phone to welcome him to APC.
“Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons for which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage ,’ 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.
“But in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that , at every election cycle, works against his own party, and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers.
According to him, the leadership of the APC, both at the state level and national level, have welcomed him back to the party.
“Let me assure Mr President of our readiness to contribute our experience, vision and energy to the ongoing work of making Nigeria a place of opportunities, growth, and inclusive development.
“To all our teeming supporters across the state, we assure you that this step is taken with the best interest of Lagos at heart and we urge you all to join us in embracing this new chapter as we work together to build a Lagos that works for everyone.
“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.
Jandor returned to APC with his supporters across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.
Barely 48 hours after leaving PDP, the party leaders visited Adediran at his Abuja office, urging him to reconsider his decision and return to the party.
The PDP leaders pleaded with Adediran to rescind the decision and stay in the party under which platform he contested for governorship.
(NAN)
