The 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has declared that the party has lost faith in itself due to prolonged internal crises.
Speaking on Politics Today on Tuesday, Jandor, who resigned from the PDP on Monday, pointed to the leadership crisis at the party’s national headquarters as a key reason for his departure.
The party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has been under fire from members who hold him responsible for the PDP’s deepening woes following the exit of Iyorchia Ayu. The crisis has worsened with disputes over the National Secretary position, as both Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye claim the role.
Tensions have also spread within the Board of Trustees, National Working Committee, and National Executive Committee, particularly in the South-South, where a Zonal Congress was held on February 22 without approval from the governors.
Jandor described the turmoil as damaging to the party’s public image.
“Who proudly claims PDP membership these days? With what’s happening at both the national and state levels, the optics are bad. Even the party itself has given up,” he said. “A political party is built by its members, but when toxicity takes over, progress becomes impossible. Today, those who once worked against the PDP are now in charge—so where do we even start?”
With congresses set for 2025 and primary elections in 2026, Jandor argued that the PDP is unlikely to see real change under its current leadership.
“If the same people remain in control, you can’t expect different results,” he added.
Following his resignation, Jandor said he had not yet decided on his next political move.
“There are 18 political parties in Nigeria, which means 17 other options. We will consult and decide. There are also new coalitions forming,” he stated.
Regardless of his next step, Jandor emphasized his commitment to respecting the leadership and principles of any party he joins.
“This is the path we have chosen, and we are staying on course. Only God determines the future,” he concluded.
