PDP no longer a viable platform for real change – Jandor

Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, recently made headlines with his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in this interview with Nationaldaily, discussed the reasons behind his move, his political vision, and his thoughts on the state of governance in Nigeria.

Many Nigerians were surprised by your decision to leave the PDP for the APC, considering that you were the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Lagos during the 2023 elections. Can you tell us why you made this decision?

Jandor: Thank you for having me. My decision to leave PDP was not a sudden one; it was the result of deep reflection on the state of the party and my political aspirations for Lagos and Nigeria. I joined PDP with the hope that it could be a credible alternative for Lagosians after 24 years of APC rule.

However, internal crises, lack of party discipline, and a culture of imposition of candidates made it clear that PDP was no longer a viable platform for real change.

Throughout my time in PDP, I worked tirelessly to build a strong opposition in Lagos, but I faced sabotage from within. If a party cannot put its house in order, how can it deliver good governance to Nigerians? My commitment is to serve the people, not to be trapped in endless internal conflicts.

Critics argue that your defection is driven by political survival rather than ideology. What do you say to those who believe you moved to APC for personal gain?

Jandor: That’s a fair question, and I understand the skepticism. But let me be clear—I did not join APC for personal gain. I joined because I believe I can be more effective in driving change from within the ruling party.

Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving, and sometimes, aligning with a more structured political platform gives you the leverage to implement the policies that truly matter to the people.

At the end of the day, political parties are only vehicles. What matters is the vision and the impact we can create. If remaining in PDP meant being stuck in a cycle of internal fighting without achieving anything meaningful for Lagosians, then it was time to move forward.

Some Nigerians feel APC has not lived up to expectations, especially in terms of economic stability, security, and governance. What makes you believe that APC is the right platform now?

Jandor: I will not pretend that APC has been perfect. Every party has its challenges. But one of the key things I considered before joining was that APC still remains the dominant political force in Nigeria. If I want to make a difference, I need to be where real decisions are being made.

That said, APC must prove that it can deliver on its promises. Nigerians are demanding accountability now more than ever. If APC does not listen to the people, it will face the same fate as past ruling parties.

Do you think APC will provide you with the platform to push your ideas for Lagos?

Jandor: Absolutely. Lagos is the economic powerhouse of Nigeria, and it needs a government that is responsive and proactive.

APC, as the ruling party in Lagos, has the infrastructure and the machinery to drive transformation, but we must do more in areas like: Traffic management; Affordable housing; Job creation for the youth and Improving public education

I believe I can contribute significantly to ensuring that these areas get the attention they deserve.

With your departure from PDP, many believe that Nigeria lacks a strong opposition. What is your take on the role of the opposition in democracy?

Jandor: A strong opposition is critical for any democracy, but in Nigeria, opposition politics has been reduced to internal power struggles rather than providing alternative governance ideas.

PDP, for example, had the chance to position itself as a government-in-waiting, but instead, it became plagued by factionalism and leadership crises.

This is why Nigerians often say, “All politicians are the same.” If the opposition cannot offer a credible alternative, then the people have no choice but to keep voting for the ruling party. Opposition parties must do better in policy formulation, grassroots mobilization, and internal democracy if they want to be taken seriously.

Many young people are disillusioned with politics. What would you say to Nigerian youths who feel like their votes do not count?

Jandor: I understand the frustration of young Nigerians. We saw how they mobilized in 2023, yet many felt that their efforts did not yield the desired results. But I will tell them this: giving up is not an option. If the youth disengage, then the same set of people will continue to run the country.

Instead of abandoning politics, young people should get involved at local government levels, push for electoral reforms, and demand accountability from politicians. Social media activism alone is not enough. If we want real change, we must participate actively in governance.

Looking ahead to 2027, do you see yourself running for governor again under APC?

Jandor: Right now, my focus is on contributing meaningfully to my new party and working towards a better Lagos and Nigeria. Whether I run for governor again or not will depend on many factors, including the party’s internal democratic process and the will of the people.

Finally, what is your message to Nigerians as we move towards the next political cycle?

Jandor: My message is simple: stay engaged, hold leaders accountable, and don’t lose hope in Nigeria. Governance is not just about those in powers; it’s about the people demanding better policies and leadership. If we want change, we must actively participate in shaping the future of our country.