Abdulazeez Olajide Adediran, widely known as Jandor, the governorship candidate of the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has addressed speculation surrounding the expulsion of Chief Bode George from the party.
Speaking in an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Jandor refuted claims of personally expelling Chief Bode George and other party leaders, emphasizing that he lacks the authority to do so.
Jandor clarified, “I did not expel them because I have no power to do so.” He asserted that the leaders effectively distanced themselves from the party when they openly declared support for another political party during the 2023 election campaigns, a stance evident on national television.
The gubernatorial candidate highlighted the significance of party loyalty, stating, “When a supposed leader of a political party goes on national TV to say, ‘Don’t vote for the candidate of my party,’ it shows that the leader has gone to the other party.”
Jandor maintained that those who openly supported rival parties during the elections effectively forfeited their membership within the PDP. He stressed, “If the party they supported had won, they would have been part of the government today.”
Addressing his role within the party, Jandor asserted his leadership position, declaring, “What we’re saying is that because you’ve declared openly, you have no say in this party.”
Jandor’s statements align with his previous declaration that leaders who supported alternative candidates during the elections no longer hold membership in the Lagos PDP. He emphasized the need for party cohesion and adherence to shared goals.
Reflecting on past betrayals within the party, Jandor recalled instances where party leaders worked against PDP candidates in previous elections, citing examples from 2019 and 2017.
Despite facing setbacks in the 2023 election, Jandor remains resolute in his commitment to the PDP and its objectives. He underscored the importance of unity and loyalty within the party, urging members to prioritize collective interests over personal ambitions.