TheNewsGuru

Tag: Jandor

  • Why PDP will continue to lose elections in Lagos – Jandor

    Why PDP will continue to lose elections in Lagos – Jandor

    A former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has said the main opposition party would continue to lose elections in the state because of its weak grassroots structure.

    Adediran, who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) recently, said this after casting his vote during the state’s council election on Saturday.

    Adediran voted at Polling Unit 001, Ward D ,Irewe,a riverine community in Ojo area of the state.

    He said for the PDP to win the state and displace the APC, it needed to work very hard at the grassroots. He, however, said he did not even see any party displacing APC in the state now or in the future.

    “While in the PDP we came with fresh ideas and we did our best, but could not make headway because PDP as a party is rarely known at the grassroots.

    “APC as a party in Lagos State, has over the years built strong grassroots structures. The party is a household name in every community.

    “Based on this, people like us, with host of followers, joined the train to build on the legacies of previous leaders rather than stay in opposition.

    “As it stands, PDP does not have the grassroots stature to contend with APC in Lagos State. I salute President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for laying the foundation of the progress of the party in the state as governor,” he said.

    He applauded the outgoing Ojo LGA executives, led by the Chairman, Mr Idowu Rosolu, for the projects executed in the area.

    He charged incoming executives to emulate the outgoing team through delivery of people-oriented projects.

    Jandor later paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Irewe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Abideen Adikanbi Durisimi, the Osolu of Irewe Kingdom.

  • Musbau Ashafa: APC, Jandor mourn Lagos LG chairman

    Musbau Ashafa: APC, Jandor mourn Lagos LG chairman

    The APC in Lagos State has expressed sadness  over passing of Prince Musbau Ashafa, the Executive Chairman of Oto Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    Ashafa, who served as  Chairman of the old Ojo Local Government during the military regime of Gen. Sani Abacha, passed away on Friday after a prolonged illness.

    He was serving his second term as council chairman of of Oto Awori LCDA before his death, and was a former APC Chairman in Otto-Awori LCDA.

    The State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, in a statement on Saturday, described Ashafa’s death as painful.

    “The news of your passing, dear Hon. Musbau Ashafa, has left me with a heavy heart. As a fellow party member and brother, your departure is a painful loss, not just for me, but for our entire party.

    “As Chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA, you played a pivotal role in shaping grassroots politics, leaving an indelible mark on our community.

    “Your dedication, passion, and leadership inspired countless individuals, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Ojelabi said.

    The APC boss said he had the privilege of working alongside Ashafa since his tenure as chairman of Ojo Local Government.

    He added: “Your tireless efforts, unwavering commitment, and selfless service earned you the respect and admiration of us all.

    “Your ability to bring people together, foster unity, and drive development will be deeply missed.

    “It’s particularly tragic that you’ve left us at a time when your expertise and guidance are needed most, with local government elections just weeks away.

    “You would have completed your eight-year tenure soon, and your absence will be felt deeply.

    “As State Party Chairman, I am hit hard by this sudden loss. However, we must submit to the will of God, who knows best.”

    Ojelabi commiserated with late Ashafa’s family, friends, and loved ones and the APC family. He prayed to God to grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

    “May your soul rest in peace, dear Ashafa. Your contributions to our party and community will never be forgotten.

    “May Almighty God comfort your family and grant them the fortitude to navigate this difficult period.

    “May your legacy continue to inspire us, and may your memory remain a blessing to our party and community,” he said.

    Jandor mourns Lagos council chairman, Ashafa

    Meanwhile, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), Visioner, Lagos4Lagos Movement, has described the death of Prince Musbau Ashafa, the Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area as a big blow.

    Adediran, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement on Saturday by his Spokesman, Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye, expressed deep sadness over the news of the passing of Ashafa.

    Ashafa who is the son of Onijanikin of Ijanikin kingdom, Oba Momodu Ashafa, died  on Friday, after a protracted illness.

    Adediran described Ashafa as a dedicated public servant, who gave his all to the development of his community.

    He lauded his commitment to grassroots governance and the welfare of the people of Oto-Awori.

    “The death of Hon. Ashafa is a painful loss, not just to his family and the people of Oto-Awori, but to the entire state.

    “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Oto-Awori community. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanah Firdaus,” Adediran said.

  • Why I went to see Gov Sanwo-Olu – Jandor

    Why I went to see Gov Sanwo-Olu – Jandor

    The 2023  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos, Dr Olajide Adediran (a.k.a. Jandor), on Tuesday visited the state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

    Adediran met with the governor behind closed doors but spoke with journalists after the meeting.

    He congratulated the governor on his re-election and commended him for  warm reception.

    ”I have gone to my local government to do that. We had that on Friday. The next thing was to pay the number one citizen of the state an official visit to inform him  that we have returned to the party.

    ”I am back to be with my family. We will continue to consolidate on our collective strength. We all knew what happened during the last election. It was because the house was divided. Now, we are together and we are back,” he said.

    He described his reception by Sanwo-Olu as warm.

    “The reception was fantastic. Mr Governor is actually a gentleman. I commend your composure throughout the campaign. In a season marked by intense political tension, your calmness stood out, and, in my view, it played a significant role in your winning.”

    The gubernatorial candidate said that the visit was not just a political courtesy, but a demonstration of maturity and the need to foster unity beyond party lines.

    “Lagos deserves a political climate where leaders can engage constructively regardless of party affiliation.

    “I believe this gesture reflects the kind of politics we should be practising –  one that prioritises the development of our state above personal or partisan interests,” he said.

    Adediran was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before he left the party to join PDP.

    He is the Convener of  Lagos4Lagos Movement, a group within the APC that pushed for reforms and internal democracy.

  • Nothing can stop Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 – Jandor

    Nothing can stop Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 – Jandor

    Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), the 2023 PDP Governorship Candidate in Lagos State  and Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, says his assignment presently is working towards  the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    Adediran  said this during a rally to announce his return to the  APC in Ojo area of Lagos  on  Friday.

    Recall that Adediran had on March 3 resigned from the PDP and  announced his return to his former party, APC.

    Addressing his supporters at the rally, Adediran said with the positive  results of  Tinubu’s people-centred reforms and recent defections into the party, nothing could stop the President’s re-election in 2027.

    He said: “Our conviction to come back home is as a result of the reforms that Mr President is doing.

    “Removal of fuel subsidy makes Tinubu a selfless President because he would have ordinarily allowed the status quo to remain to secure  second term in office.

    “The President is poised about doing what is best for the country and the reforms are yielding results for the country now.

    “That is why we are going to do everything humanly possible to make sure we work for his re-election.

    “Our priority is to ensure that we see to how this man will return in 2027 to give to further reposition the country, “,he said.

    Adediran, who noted that though he did not  win as  PDP candidate in 2023, his struggle however opened up political opportunities for people of Badagry division in APC .

    Appreciating APC for warmly receiving him into the party , Adediran urged his followers to start work in earnest for the President’s re-election in 2027.

    In his response, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who noted that the party was proud to have Adediran and his team back, urged the leaders to accommodate the team.

    Urging APC members to keep working hard for the progress of the party, Ojelabi said that Tinubu would always reward hardworking loyalists.

    “Put in your best. Let your best be known to all of us. We are there to recognise you. We are going to do everything possible to integrate you.

    “Let us come together. We are going to use our own votes as investment to be able to negotiate for involvement in the government,” he said.

    He said that Adediran would contribute his quota to the  growth of  the party.

    Meanwhile, Mr Olushola Idowu, the Chairman of Ojo Local Government, described the return of Adediran as a good addition to APC, especially in Ojo Local Government, urging party members to welcome him and his followers with open arms.

    Also speaking, Mr Kayode Robert,  Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs,commended Adediran for his courage to return to the ruling party.

    Hundreds of Adediran’s loyalists from the Lagos4Lagos Movement and PDP were present at the rally.

    Among dignitaries at the rally were the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi: former Deputy Governor, Sarah Sosan,  federal and state lawmakers and other party leaders.

  • You won’t regret joining us – APC assures Jandor

    You won’t regret joining us – APC assures Jandor

    The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State, has assured the 2023 PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, who recently returned to the ruling party, that he will not regret coming to the party.

    The  State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, gave the  assurance on Tuesday, when Adediran (popularly known as Jandor), led his Lagos4Lagos team to the state party secretariat to officially meet the party’s executive committee.

    Stating that the party was large enough to accommodate Adediran and his supporters, Ojelabi said that Adediran would forever be grateful for returning into the APC family, as a foundation member.

    Welcoming Adediran back to APC, the Chairman said: ” We were together, driving this party and growing this party before, it was just a matter of conviction that led to what happened.

    “Realising that he (Adediran ) has a role to play as an indigene of the state now that we approach the 2027 general elections, he has decided to be part of us.

    “We can see the calibre of people that accompanied him, I actually restricted the number, and to us, it s a welcome development to have Jandor back home.

    “I want to assure you that you have taken the right step. This is your party.

    “I am pretty sure that the step taken  today April 29, won’t be regretted. We have accepted his reunion into the party. I bet you, you won’t regret the step taken.,”,he said.

    Ojelabi, accompanied by members of the APC state exco, said that the party had put machinery in place to re-integrate  Adediran and accommodate  his structure in APC.

    Describing Adediran’s return to APC as historic, the chairman said he first got the hint off his return from  the Presidential Villa in Abuja

    He said  the party would soon  schedule a stakeholders’  meeting to  announce to the entire APC members that Adediran and his followers had become full members of APC.

    Earlier , Adediran said: “After my resignation from PDP and announcement of joining the APC, today is my very first official visit to the party secretariat to meet the state executive committee.

    “We have come to brief Mr Chairman of the plan for the mass declaration and official movement into the APC in our usual manner, which we are going to announce very soon.

    “This is not our declaration proper, this is just to come and formally inform you of our decision to return home and to the APC family. We are happy to come back to the winning family.

    “We have come to join our numerical strength to that of the existing party strength to ensure that we keep winning for Nigerians.

    “Our focus is to see how we can dismantle all the gang up in the name of coalition against Mr President and work to return back as President of Nigeria in 2027.”

    On his political ambition, Adediran said that he would continue to exercise his constitutional rights in all elections.

    He said that he had not come to the party to fight for  positions or to dislodge anyone, but to ensure APC continues to win both at the centre and at the state level.

    The politician  promised to support the  party’s candidates for  elective positions in 2027.

    “We are ready to submit ourselves to the party’s constitution,” he said.

    Urging Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents to keep hope  alive, Adediran called for support for President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    NAN recalls that Adediran resigned from the PDP on March 3, citing indiscipline and betrayal by party leaders.

    Adediran, who leads the Lagos4Lagos Movement and was once an APC governorship aspirant, defected to the PDP from APC in 2022.

  • Defection: Jandor came to spy, ruin Lagos PDP – Chieftain

    Defection: Jandor came to spy, ruin Lagos PDP – Chieftain

    The PDP in Lagos State says it will not miss the party’s 2023 governorship candidate,Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran better known as Jandor, who defected to the APC.

    The Lagos State PDP Vice Chairman (Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, made this remark in an interview with NAN while reacting to Adediran’s return to APC on Monday.

    Olalemi, who noted that the exit of Adediran from PDP was not a shock, said that the former party candidate came to spy and ruin the party in the state.

    “He (Adediran) is a human being and the Nigerian Constitution allows freedom of associations. He is free to resign from any group or party and join any group he wants.

    “We will miss his shenanigans, comedy and cunningness. So, we will not miss anything good about him in the party because he has done a huge havoc to our party in Lagos State.

    “He has come to our party to spy and he ruined the party.

    “We are assuring the public that we are going to pick up the party from where it is now and take it to its Eldorado come 2027 by the special grace of God,” Olalemi said.

    Wishing Adediran good luck in his new party, the PDP chairman described the exit of the former candidate as good radiance in Lagos PDP.

    The vice chairman, however blamed the party national leaders and some state leaders for offering Adediran PDP’s ticket on the platter of gold during the 2023 general elections.

    NAN reports that Adediran, who resigned from the PDP on March 3, citing lack of discipline in the party and betrayal by its leaders, announced his return to APC on Monday.

    It would be recalled that Adediran, a leader of Lagos4Lagos Movement and former APC governorship aspirant, also defected from APC to PDP in 2021.

    In 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the winner of the Lagos governorship election, defeating all contestants, including Adediran.

    Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes to defeat his close challenger, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP), who scored 312,329 votes.

    Adediran, the PDP’s flagbearer, came a distant third with 62,449 votes.

  • Lagos APC welcomes Jandor, says more to join party in weeks

    Lagos APC welcomes Jandor, says more to join party in weeks

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has welcomed the 2023 PDP governorship candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), and his loyalists back to its fold.

    Adediran, who resigned from the PDP on March 3, citing lack of discipline in the party and betrayal by its leaders, announced his return to APC on Monday.

    Recall that Adediran, a leader of Lagos4Lagos Movement and former APC governorship aspirant, defected from the party to PDP in 2021.

    The State APC Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, said that the party was excited to welcome Adediran back to its fold.

    “He (Adediran) is welcome home.

    “We are happy that he now appreciates the fact that Lagos State is still better and safer in the hands of the progressives, who have enjoyed uninterrupted trust and confidence of our people since the inception of this dispensation.

    “We believe there is sufficient opportunity for him to contribute his quota to the continuous success of our government and growth of our party.

    “We are expecting more defectors in the days ahead,” Oladejo said.

  • Former PDP guber candidate Jandor switches allegiance, joins APC

    Former PDP guber candidate Jandor switches allegiance, joins APC

    After contesting the 2023 Lagos State governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, widely known as Jandor, has made a notable political move by returning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the state’s ruling party.

    This reversal of his previous defection marks a significant shift in the Lagos political landscape.

    Adediran announced his return to APC at a news conference on Monday in Lagos.

    Adediran, leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, announced his resignation from the PDP on March 3, citing lack of discipline in the party and betrayal by its  leaders.

    He was previously a member of APC before joining PDP.

    Speaking at the news conference, Adediran ,who noted that the decision  to quit the PDP was not an easy one,  said  he returned to APC after due consultations.

    Adediran said: “We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons for which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage, ‘if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better’.”

    “In APC, we have a leader, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers and the state.

    “But in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that, at every election cycle, works against his own party, and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers.

    “We have chosen the better alternative. We believe that working within the fold of the APC offers a more viable platform to deliver on our promises of good governance for all Lagosians, even if I am not the one on the ballot.

    “Our return to the APC is not a decision made lightly.

    “It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos State and our belief that unity among progressives is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of our people.”

    Adediran expressed gratitude to the President Bola Tinubu for recognising his team’s modest contributions to democracy and nation building.

    He also recognised the relentless efforts of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, “who has been on our case for over one year to return and join hands with Mr President.”

    He added that upon hearing the news of his resignation from the PDP, the President’s son, Mr Seyi Tinubu, immediately called him on phone to welcome him to APC.

    According to him, the leadership of the APC, both at the state level and national level,  have welcomed him back to the party.

    “Let me assure Mr President of our readiness to contribute our experience, vision and energy to the ongoing work of making Nigeria a place of opportunities, growth, and inclusive development.

    “To all our teeming supporters across the state, we assure you that this step is taken with the best interest of Lagos at heart and we urge you all to join us in embracing this new chapter as we work together to build a Lagos that works for everyone.

    “We remain committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations,” he said.

    Adediran returned to APC with his supporters across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.

    Recognizing the significance of his departure, PDP leaders acted quickly, visiting Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) at his Abuja office within 48 hours.

    They made a passionate plea for him to reconsider his decision, emphasizing the importance of his continued membership and the platform the party had offered him during the governorship election.

  • Lagos: Jandor opens up on 2027 governorship ambition

    Lagos: Jandor opens up on 2027 governorship ambition

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, says his political ambition in the 2027 electoral cycle is in God’s hands.

    Adediran, also known as Jandor, made this known in an interview with journalists on Sunday after attending a Thanksgiving Service at Trinity House Church in Lagos.

    He said he was in church to give thanks to God, exactly one year after the Supreme Court ruled on the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial election, won by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Adediran noted that after the ruling, he stepped away from media and election matters to focus on business. However, his team decided to hold a thanksgiving service.

    “Our team agreed that we cannot act as if God has not done anything for us. We had several victories during the electioneering process, and we must acknowledge them.

    “The first is the gift of life. We went through that process safely, and no one was harmed or lost their life. I agreed with the team, and that is why we are here today for thanksgiving,” he said.

    On speculations about his 2027 governorship ambition, Adediran said that while the future belongs to God, he is prepared to contest again.

    “Anyway, we have chosen this path, and we are not deviating from it.

    “I just need to emphasise that this is the path we have chosen. The difference is, we are not professional politicians.

    “We are professionals who found ourselves in politics, which is why we approach it differently. So, 2027 belongs to God,” he said.

    Adediran said he remained committed to serving the people.

    “If we all say politics is dirty and step aside, we leave leadership in the hands of the unqualified. I believe we should not give up. We will give it another shot,” he said.

    The Lead Pastor of Trinity House Church, Ituah Ighodalo, commended Adediran for choosing to give thanks to God.

    “He (Adediran) is seeking God, and he will find Him. God will also find him and love him in return.

    “Jandor is simply a Nigerian citizen who came to worship God, and I’m happy he has done so,” Ighodalo said.

    The cleric urged Nigerian politicians to fear God and love the people they serve.

    “Many of them do not, and that is why we have problems in Nigeria. If they fear God and love the people, they will do the right thing,” he said.

    Recall that Adediran finished third in the 2023 governorship election, behind the APC and Labour Party candidates.

  • Jandor welcomes Funsho Doherty to PDP

    Jandor welcomes Funsho Doherty to PDP

    Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), the Lagos PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 General Elections, has welcomed Mr Funso Doherty, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state to PDP.

    Doherty announced his defection from the ADC to the PDP on Monday.

    Adediran, in a statement on Tuesday by his Spokesman, Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, said that with the support of Doherty, the PDP would win in Lagos State in future elections.

    He described the defection of Doherty as a welcome development and a reflection of the readiness of all well-meaning Lagos residents to come together “to rescue Lagos state from the grip of the corrupt and clueless ruling party.

    “Doherty will not be the last to join the Lagos PDP for the actualisation of the mission to offer a breath of fresh air in governance in 2027.

    “Many more chieftains of other political parties including the APC and key opinion leaders across the state will declare for the PDP in no distant future.

    “Doherty is one of the few technocrat-turned-politicians I admire and respect.

    “Together with him and other well meaning stakeholders in Lagos State politics, we shall rescue the state in 2027 from the self-serving APC-led government,” he said.