Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, who was the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that the party has lost confidence in itself due to persistent internal conflicts. Jandor made this statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, a day after he officially resigned from the PDP.
He pointed to the ongoing leadership struggles at the party’s national level as a significant reason for his departure. According to him, the crisis surrounding Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, who has faced growing criticism from party members, has worsened the party’s instability. Additionally, the dispute over the National Secretary position, which involves Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, has further deepened divisions within the PDP.
Jandor also highlighted tensions among key party organs, including the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC). These internal conflicts, he noted, have been particularly evident in the South-South region, where a zonal congress was held on February 22 without the approval of the region’s governors.
He argued that the continuous turmoil has significantly damaged the PDP’s public image, questioning whether any member still openly associates with the party. “Who goes around posting that they are a member of PDP these days? With the ongoing issues at both the national and state levels, even the party itself has given up,” he said.
Jandor also criticized the leadership structure, stating that many individuals who previously worked against the party are now in control, making meaningful reform impossible. He expressed skepticism about any real change occurring within the PDP, especially with the party’s 2025 congresses and 2026 primaries approaching.
“If the same people remain in charge, you can’t expect different results,” he added.
When asked about his future political plans, Jandor stated that he has not yet made a decision. However, he noted that he would consult with others before choosing his next political move.
“There are 18 political parties in Nigeria, so there are 17 other options. There are also coalitions forming, with people coming together to explore new possibilities,” he said.
Despite leaving the PDP, Jandor emphasized that he remains committed to respecting the leadership and rules of any political party he chooses to join in the future.
