Lagos PDP Spokesman, Amode, Abdulkareem, Apena, Ogunleye Others Defect To The Ruling Party ....We Have Collapsed Lagos PDP To APC, Says Jandor

The lead visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olajide Adediran aka Jandor, has led more leading members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Announcing the defection to journalists on Monday June 9, 2025, Jandor said that it was a good thing that the structure of the PDP in the state is being collapsed into the APC, saying that the PDP, both at the state and national levels, lacks direction.

 

Jandor, who handed over the flag of the party to the defecting members in his office on Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, said that the defecting members would be properly received by the Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi at a future date.

 

"Since they are defecting in our office in Liberty House, Ikeja, Lagos today, we will just hand over the flag of the APC to them in the interim, they would be properly received by the APC Chairman in Lagos State soon.

 

"I have told Pastor Ojelabi, that we have collapsed the structure of the PDP in Lagos State to the APC. The PDP Publicity Secretary in Lagos State, Hon. Akeem Amode, former deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in the state, Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, a former deputy chairman of the party in the state, Chief Ola Apena and others are defecting to the APC today," he said.

 

Jandor added that no sensible politician would stay in the PDP, saying that the party is being led by some people that he said usually work against the party during elections.

 

He stressed that the PDP is a party of confusion, while he used the opportunity to congratulate Governor Umo Emo of Akwa Ibom State for leaving the PDP for the APC.

 

Earlier in his speech, which was delivered on behalf of the new defectors, Hon Hakeem Amode, said that their tenure within the PDP had been lengthy and eventful; and that it was characterized by both achievements and setbacks. 

 

Amode stated that majority of the defectors have had the privilege of serving in various capacities, advocating for change, and contributing to the party's mission in Lagos State.

 

"However, after thorough introspection and extensive consultation, we believe it is time to chart a new course. This decision has not been made lightly, but it reflects our commitment to taking control of our political destinies in order to better serve our people and the loyal supporters who continue to stand by us.

 

"Today, we have decided to collapse the entire PDP structure in Lagos State, from ward to the State Level and allign with His Excellency JANDOR to decamp en mass to the APC," he said.

 

On the reasons for departing the PDP, he said that the party, both at the national and state levels, has lost its way, adding that it has deviated "from the founding ideals that once made it the largest and most respected political platform in Africa. Today, its future is riddled with tension and uncertainty."

 

"To quote former Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State: “The PDP is in a coma and may not survive unless urgent measures are taken.”

 

"Similarly, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State recently voiced concerns that the PDP may struggle to even field candidates in the 2027 general elections due to ongoing internal crises and legal disputes; particularly the unresolved issue involving the party’s National Secretary. 

 

"We risk witnessing a repeat of the 2019 Zamfara scenario, where APC candidates were disqualified by the courts due to internal disarray.

 

"In Lagos, under the leadership of Hon. Philip Aivoji, the situation is no better. The party is fractured and disunited. Poor leadership and a lack of cohesion have cost us dearly," he stated.

 

The former PDP Publicity Secretary recalled that during the 2023 governorship elections, many of them campaigned tirelessly alongside JANDOR, risking their lives as he said that they were attacked in Surulere, Kosofe, Agege and Badagry Local Government Areas of the state. 

 

He said; "Regrettably, the state leadership failed to rally behind its own candidate. Shockingly, some party leaders even encouraged members to vote for the opposition. 

 

"This destructive cycle of internal sabotage reoccurs every election cycle. Under such conditions, victory is impossible.

 

"Today, we, alongside several former PDP candidates at various levels, national, local government executives, ward leaders, and key stakeholders across Lagos, formally resign from the PDP and align ourselves with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

"We have submitted our letters of resignation to our respective ward chairmen, local government chairmen, and the state leadership of the PDP.

 

"Our decision is inspired by our belief in the leadership of Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, JANDOR — a visionary Leader who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of Lagosians and the principles of inclusive governance.

 

"To our supporters, we extend our deepest gratitude. This move is in your best interest. It is not driven by personal ambition, but by our collective resolve to improve the lives of the people of Lagos State.

 

"We are determined to work with our new partners in the APC to deliver the true dividends of democracy to every corner of our great state."

 

Other defectors included Prince Rufus Ademola Adeniyi, a former Assistant State Organizing Secretary (Lagos West), PDP, Lagos State, Hon. Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo) – Former PDP House of Representatives Candidate, Surulere Constituency 1, Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye

Spokesman to the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate, and Hon. Keshinro Abiodun, 2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Epe State Constituency 1

 

The rest are Hon. Akeem Jinadu

2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Eti-Osa State Constituency 1, Hon. Ibrahim Balogun, 2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Kosofe State Constituency 2, Hon. Taofeek Bolaji Obanikoro

2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Lagos Island State Constituency 1, and Hon. Tunde Pratt, 2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Lagos Mainland State Constituency 2.

 

Some others that also defected were Hon. Saheed Aregbesola, 2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Oshodi-Isolo State Constituency 2, Hon. Sulaimon A. Thompson, 2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Surulere State Constituency 1, Hon. Taofeek O. Kuye

2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate for Ajeromi-Ifelodun State Constituency 1, and Hon. Adeyemi Kazeem

Former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government.