Why Sanwo-Olu defeated me in 2023 — JANDOR
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Dr Abdulazeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as JANDOR and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 Lagos State governorship election, has revealed why Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu won re-election. He credited the governor’s victory to his warmth, composure, and calm disposition in the face of provocation.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Ikeja, following a closed-door meeting with the governor, JANDOR described Sanwo-Olu as a true gentleman. “Mr Governor is very warm. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – he is truly a gentleman. There was nothing I didn’t do to provoke him. I poked and poked. But he remained calm throughout. This is one of the reasons he retained the governorship of Lagos State,” he said.
He explained that the visit was to formally inform Governor Sanwo-Olu of his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the opposition PDP, as part of efforts to consolidate political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. “I’m sure it’s no longer news that JANDOR has returned to his original political family. We had a formal declaration at the local government level on Friday. The next step was to inform the number one citizen of the state, and that’s what we did today,” he stated.
JANDOR expressed confidence that his return to the APC would boost the party’s unity and electoral prospects, particularly in support of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition. “We all know what happened during the last election. The house was divided. But now, we are united again. Our goal is to mobilise the younger generation and return Mr President to office in 2027, so the baton can be passed to the next generation,” he said.
He cautioned that allowing another candidate from Tinubu’s generation to emerge could delay youth inclusion in governance for another eight to sixteen years. According to him, his team is committed to campaigning vigorously and highlighting Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s stability.
“I’ve said it many times – we must not allow a return to the past. We’ll do everything possible to ensure stability continues and that Nigeria remains on the path to progress,” JANDOR said.
He also expressed gratitude to the governor and members of his cabinet for the warm reception, as well as to the APC leadership, especially the party chairman who led the delegation.
“This visit is not just symbolic; it’s strategic. It’s about building bridges and ensuring that we move forward as one. I appreciate the leadership of the party, and I thank Mr Governor once again for receiving us,” JANDOR concluded.
