Globaltimes 
Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos during the 2023 election, Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has revealed the reasons behind his decision to leave the party, barely two years after contesting on its platform. In a press conference held today Monday in Ikeja, Jandor cited internal sabotage, anti-party activities, and a lack of discipline among party leaders as the primary factors that forced him to resign.
With a tone of both disappointment and resolve, Jandor addressed journalists and supporters, stating, “I stand before you today with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. We ran a campaign based on transformation, development, and the desire for positive change, but the internal betrayals and lack of commitment from the party leadership hindered our chances.”
Jandor recounted how his campaign was systematically undermined by key figures within the PDP. He singled out Chief Olabode George, a prominent leader in the Lagos chapter of the party, accusing him of openly working against the PDP’s interests.
“Chief Olabode George, who claimed to be a leader of the PDP, publicly endorsed the candidate of another party just days before the election. This was a blatant act of anti-party activity,” Jandor revealed.
He also criticized the Lagos State PDP Chairman, Mr. Philip Aivoji, for allegedly spreading false information on the eve of the election. “Aivoji issued a statement claiming that we had withdrawn from the race. This was a deliberate attempt to mislead our supporters and sabotage our efforts,” Jandor said.
The former governorship candidate further disclosed that his campaign team was attacked six times during the electioneering process, yet no PDP leader condemned these acts of violence.
“Not a single statement was issued by the party leadership to address these attacks. It was as if they were complicit in the sabotage,” he added.
Post-Election Betrayals and Inaction
Jandor expressed deep frustration with the PDP’s national leadership, which he accused of failing to address the anti-party activities that marred the 2023 elections. He revealed that after the election, he formally lodged complaints with the party’s national body, expecting that those who worked against the party would be sanctioned. However, to his shock, Chief Olabode George was appointed as the Vice Chairman of a disciplinary committee.
“The same man who openly worked against the party during the election was appointed to a disciplinary committee. This was a slap in the face to every loyal party member,” Jandor said. “It turned the party into a joke.”
He also referenced a startling revelation made by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who, during a television interview, admitted that the PDP could not have won the election because many of its leaders worked against the party. “Till today, none of these leaders have denied the allegations. Instead, they continue to parade themselves as party leaders,” Jandor noted.
A New Political Direction
The former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also disclosed that he announced his decision to resign from the PDP, after months of reflection and consultations with his family, political associates, and supporters. “We have waited this long to see if there would be some sort of respite, but what we see is that the same set of leaders who worked against the party are still in control. How can we trust them again?” he asked.
Despite his resignation, Jandor reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Lagos. “Our vision for a better Lagos remains unwavering. We will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that uplift our state, regardless of our political affiliation,” he said.
He hinted at a new political direction, stating that he would engage with stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to determine the next course of action.
“This is not the end of our journey but the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter driven by sincerity, progress, and the true essence of service to the people,” Jandor declared.
Supporters Stand by Jandor
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across Lagos, with many of Jandor’s supporters expressing solidarity with his decision. “Jandor has always been a man of the people. If the PDP failed him, then it is their loss,” said one supporter at the event.
C) The West newspaper
