In a significant blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, has resigned, citing persistent internal crises and a loss of faith in the party’s leadership. Jandor announced his decision during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, just a day after formally leaving the PDP.
Jandor pointed to the ongoing leadership crisis at the PDP’s national headquarters as a major factor in his resignation. He criticized the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for failing to address the party’s deepening woes following the exit of former chairman Iyorchia Ayu. According to Jandor, the party’s inability to resolve its internal conflicts has severely damaged its public image and credibility.
The PDP’s troubles have been exacerbated by a bitter dispute over the position of National Secretary, with both Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye laying claim to the role. This power struggle has further divided the party, creating tensions within key organs such as the Board of Trustees, National Working Committee, and National Executive Committee.
Jandor also highlighted the recent Zonal Congress in the South-South, held on February 22 without the approval of PDP governors, as an example of the party’s lack of unity and coordination. He described the situation as “toxic” and argued that the same set of leaders responsible for the party’s current challenges are unlikely to bring about meaningful change.
“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,” Jandor said. He added that the PDP’s internal crises have made it difficult for members to take pride in their affiliation with the party.
Looking ahead, Jandor expressed skepticism about the PDP’s ability to recover, especially 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 stated.
While Jandor has not yet announced his next political move, he revealed that he is considering his options among Nigeria’s 18 registered political parties, as well as emerging coalitions. “We will consult and decide. There are also coalitions forming, with people coming together to explore new possibilities,” he said. He emphasized that he would respect the leadership and rules of any new party he joins.
Jandor’s resignation underscores the deepening cracks within the PDP and raises questions about the party’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections. As the party grapples with internal divisions, its ability to rebuild and regain public trust remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Jandor’s next steps will be closely watched, as they could signal broader shifts in Nigeria’s political landscape.