Jandor’s Exit: Betrayal or Survival? Lagos PDP Fires Back
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reeling from the shock exit of its 2023 governorship candidate, Jide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, but party leaders are not holding back in their criticism of his departure.
In an explosive interview, Lagos PDP Secretary, Soji Orioye, dismissed Jandor’s resignation as insignificant, accusing him of abandoning the party after allegedly benefiting from it. Orioye likened Jandor’s exit to a child betraying his parents, leaving them stranded “on top of Third Mainland Bridge at 2 am” with a broken-down car.
Did Jandor Destroy Lagos PDP?
Jandor, who joined the PDP just six months before the last election, secured the party’s ticket over long-standing members. However, after his defeat, he blamed internal divisions for his decision to quit. Orioye, however, insists Jandor should have remained to “suffer and build the party together” instead of walking away when the going got tough.
“He came, he saw, he made money, he enjoyed the party, and now he has left us,” Orioye fumed, accusing Jandor of delivering the worst electoral result in PDP’s history in Lagos.
Self-Interest Over Loyalty?
PDP loyalists argue that Jandor’s exit is a slap in the face to party veterans who have struggled for over 25 years to establish a foothold in Lagos politics. His decision to leave, rather than stay and work towards a realignment or merger, is seen by some as a betrayal of the party’s long-term struggle.
Meanwhile, Jandor’s supporters argue that he was a victim of a dysfunctional PDP riddled with internal crises. With speculations swirling about his next political move, some believe he could be positioning himself for a realignment with a stronger political force ahead of future elections.
Lagos PDP: A House Divided?
Jandor’s departure raises questions about the future of the Lagos PDP. Has the party been irreparably damaged by internal strife, or is Jandor’s exit an opportunity for long-time members to rebuild? One thing is certain—the battle for Lagos remains far from over.
