Reflecting on his campaign, Jandor stated that his team had built significant momentum ahead of the February 25, 2023, elections. However, he argued that the unexpected surge in support for Peter Obi and the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State disrupted the political landscape, ultimately affecting the outcome of the governorship race.
“We did everything, but that wave came and swallowed the whole thing. Nobody saw that coming,” Jandor said. When asked if he would have won the governorship election without Peter Obi’s influence, Jandor responded, “Absolutely, I probably would have won the election at the governorship election.”
According to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election with 762,134 votes. The Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour came in second with 312,329 votes, while Jandor trailed with 62,449 votes.
Jandor’s comments highlight the significant impact of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign, which galvanized a wave of support, particularly among young voters and in urban areas like Lagos. This shift in voter dynamics not only influenced the presidential election but also had a ripple effect on down-ballot races, including the governorship contest.
While Jandor acknowledged the unexpected challenge posed by the Labour Party’s surge, his remarks also underscore the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape, where voter behavior and external factors can dramatically alter election outcomes. As Lagos State continues to evolve politically, Jandor’s reflections offer insight into the challenges faced by traditional parties in adapting to changing voter preferences.