The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, following his decision to leave the party and rejoin the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jandor, who was the PDP's governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, announced his return to the APC on Monday at a news conference in Lagos. This move marks a return to his political roots, as he was a member of the APC before joining the PDP.

In his resignation statement on March 3, 2025, Jandor cited a lack of discipline within the PDP and betrayal by its leaders as reasons for his departure. However, the Lagos PDP has expressed a different perspective on his defection.

Speaking to our correspondent, the Lagos PDP Deputy Chairman, Tai Benedict, claimed Jandor was never genuinely committed to the party's growth. He alleged that Jandor was a "planted agent" sent by the APC to destabilize the PDP from within.

"He was never our own. He was an agent sent to our party to destroy it because they knew we had a bright chance to win the election," Benedict claimed. "From the beginning, he accused our leaders, caused disunity, and manipulated his way to the party's ticket. It’s unfortunate, but we’re relieved he’s gone."

Benedict also criticized Jandor's choice of actress Funke Akindele as his running mate for the 2023 elections, suggesting it was a superficial attempt to leverage her social media influence. Despite Akindele's millions of followers on Instagram, the PDP secured only 62,000 votes in the election.

“For me, I thank God that he has left our party. It’s not good to lose members, but there are some whose exit is a relief. Jandor is one of them,” Benedict concluded.

Meanwhile, the APC has warmly welcomed Jandor's return, describing him as a dynamic and ambitious politician whose decision to rejoin the party reflects a homecoming.

Seye Oladejo, the APC's Publicity Secretary, dismissed the PDP's accusations, branding them as "excuses" for the party's inability to organize and lead effectively.

“Jandor came to the party with ambition. Now that he’s back, we are ready to work with him,” Oladejo said. “The fact remains that Lagos has been better and safer in the hands of progressives who have consistently earned the people's trust.”

Oladejo also hinted that more defections to the APC should be expected in the lead-up to the next election, asserting that the party remains the preferred choice for politicians seeking stability and relevance.

Responding to the PDP's claim that Jandor was a planted agent, Oladejo remarked, "It shows how devoid of ideas the so-called opposition is. They can't manage themselves, yet they want to govern."

As reactions to Jandor's defection continue to pour in, the incident has sparked conversations about the state of opposition politics in Lagos and the enduring influence of the APC in the state.