Abdul-Azeez Adediran, also known as Jandor, the 2023 governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, has openly criticized the party for losing faith in itself due to internal turmoil. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Jandor, who officially left the PDP on Monday, highlighted the ongoing leadership crisis at the party’s national headquarters as a key factor behind his decision to quit.
The PDP has been embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis, especially following the exit of former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has faced increasing backlash from party members who blame him for the party’s struggles. Tensions within the party have escalated over a dispute for the National Secretary position, with both Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye vying for the role. Additionally, divisions within the Board of Trustees, National Working Committee, and National Executive Committee have worsened, particularly in the South-South, where a Zonal Congress was held in February without the approval of the state governors.
Jandor expressed frustration over the party’s deteriorating reputation, both nationally and at the state level. “Who goes around posting that they are a member of PDP these days? With what is happening at both the national and state levels, the optics are bad. Even the party itself has given up,” he said. He further argued that internal toxicity had led to the party’s downfall. “A political party is made up of people who come together to build it. But if toxicity persists within the system, the same problems will remain. Today, those who once worked against the PDP are the ones leading it. So where do we start from?”
Looking ahead, Jandor cast doubt on the PDP’s ability to enact meaningful change, particularly with congresses scheduled for 2025 and primary elections in 2026. “If you still have the same set of people in charge, you can’t expect different results,” he remarked.
Following his resignation, Jandor revealed that he had not yet decided on his next political move. “We have 18 political parties in Nigeria, so there are 17 other options. But we will consult and decide. There are also coalitions forming, with people coming together to explore new possibilities,” he said. He made it clear that he would respect the leadership and rules of any new party he joins, stating, “This is the path we have chosen, and we are not deviating. Only God determines the future.”
