The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has witnessed various political dramas, but the recent departure of Olajide Adediran (Jandor) marks a significant turning point in the party’s history. His exit is not just the removal of an individual but the cleansing of what many see as arrogance, betrayal, and disregard for party structures.
Jandor’s Rise and Betrayal
Jandor was given a golden opportunity when PDP handed him the governorship ticket on a platter. Instead of using this privilege to unite the party and build a strong opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he allegedly sought to hijack the party for his personal ambitions. This led to internal strife, division, and a lack of cohesion within the PDP structure.
His approach to politics was marked by arrogance, as he disregarded long-standing party members and imposed his will on the selection of candidates for the State House of Assembly and the Federal House of Representatives. By handpicking individuals with little or no political experience—some not even PDP members—as running mates and candidates, he alienated the core loyalists of the party.
Electoral Failure and Party Damage
The 2023 gubernatorial election in Lagos was a disaster for Jandor. Scoring a mere 62,000 votes, he led PDP to its worst performance in the history of the state. His inability to even win his own ward was an embarrassment, further proving that he lacked grassroots support.
Beyond his failure at the polls, he was accused of mismanaging campaign funds, failing to pay party agents, and allegedly working against the party’s success. Such actions not only weakened PDP’s chances in the election but also created disillusionment among members who had committed their efforts and resources to the campaign.
A Culture of Disrespect and Manipulation
One of the most damaging aspects of Jandor’s tenure in PDP was his alleged habit of funding individuals to disrespect the party leadership. Reports suggest that he paid certain members a mere ₦5,000 per month to attack loyal party members and spread discord. This reckless approach to leadership further eroded trust within the party.
His behavior mirrored the arrogance often associated with the APC, the party he originally came from. However, PDP has always been known for internal democracy and party discipline, and his attempt to introduce a dictatorship-style leadership was met with resistance.
I Prince Amb (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, was cautious in my dealings with Jandor. Despite knowing his reputation and hearing numerous complaints about his character, I had no option but to brand my vehicles and distribute election materials in my personal capacity for him in my area as a candidate of our great party.
Jandor was the worst candidate in the history of our party. When he was scheduled to visit my local government, loyal party members had to contribute their hard-earned money to rent chairs, canopies, T-shirts, and drinks. He gave nothing back to those who worked tirelessly for the success of the party. Then to leave the party with their agent money
During my own aspiration, Jandor made it clear that he won’t allow me to have the ticket because I am from Abule Egba Lagos Egba indegen of Lagos but he wants the ticket to be given to an Awori man He used this excuse to manipulate my election in collaboration with the now-suspended Segun Sunday Adewale (Aeroland). But today, I remain a loyal PDP member, while both of them are nowhere to be found.
The Way Forward for PDP in Lagos
With Jandor’s departure, PDP now has a chance to rebuild and refocus. The party must learn from this experience and ensure that its future candidates are loyal, competent, and genuinely committed to its growth. Internal democracy should be strengthened, and mechanisms should be put in place to prevent another hijack attempt by individuals with self-serving interests.
While politics is a game of numbers, it is also a game of trust. PDP in Lagos must prioritize loyalty, transparency, and strategic planning. Those who betrayed the party must be completely distanced, while innocent members who were misled should be welcomed back.
The goal remains clear—building a strong and united PDP that can effectively challenge the APC in future elections. The lessons from Jandor’s time in the party should serve as a warning: PDP will no longer tolerate betrayal, disloyalty, or political arrogance.
Goodbye, Jandor. The PDP moves forward without you.
Congratulations to the people of the people’s democratic party!PDP) Lagos
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