The 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has stated that the party has lost confidence in itself due to ongoing internal crises.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Tuesday, Jandor—who resigned from the PDP on Monday—cited the leadership crisis at the party’s national headquarters as a key reason for his departure.
The acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has faced increasing criticism from party members, many of whom hold him responsible for the PDP’s worsening troubles following the exit of Iyorchia Ayu.
The crisis has been exacerbated by a dispute over the National Secretary position, with both Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, claiming the role.
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened due to a dispute over the National Secretary position, with both Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye laying claim to the role.
Divisions within the Board of Trustees, National Working Committee, and National Executive Committee have further fractured the party, particularly in the South-South, where a Zonal Congress was held on February 22 without the governors’ approval.
Jandor described the turmoil at both the national and state levels as highly damaging to the PDP’s public image.
“Who proudly declares themselves a PDP member these days? Given the situation at both the national and state levels, the optics are terrible. Even the party itself seems to have given up,” he said.
A political party is built by the people who come together to support it, but if toxicity persists within the system, the same problems will continue,” Jandor said. “Today, those who once worked against the PDP are now the ones leading it. So where do we even begin?”
He argued that with congresses set for 2025 and primary elections in 2026, the party is likely to remain under the control of the same individuals, making meaningful change impossible.
“If you still have the same people in charge, you can’t expect different results,” he added.
Following his resignation from the PDP, Jandor said he had yet to decide on his next political move.
“Nigeria has 18 political parties, so there are 17 other options. But we will consult and decide. There are also coalitions forming, with people coming together to explore new possibilities,” he said.
He stressed that wherever he decides to go, he will respect the leadership and rules of any new party he joins.
“This is the path we have chosen, and we are staying on course. Only God determines the future,” he said.
