Scores of supporters of the Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulazeez Adediran popularly known as Jandor, on Thursday, joined the ruling All Progressives Congrats (APC).
The defectors were members of the Lagos4Lagos movement founded by Jandor.
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The defectors were said to be over 5000 but their leaders from across various divisions and local governments and local council development areas in the state.
They were formally received at a reception held at the party’s secretariat along Acme road.
The former Jandor’s supporters in attendance also submitted all the souvenirs and insignias of Jandor in their possession.
The reception was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other leaders of the party.
Some of the defectors who spoke at the reception said the state cannot be entrusted to Jandor whom they said was not accountable to them.
They however declared full support for the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to win the Presidential election and the governorship of the state in the 2023 Polls.
A leader of the defector, Hon. Idowu Daramola from Mushin, Ilupeju Ward 1 said the emergence of Tinubu made them to have a rethink about their direction.
“More so because of the lack of accountability and transparency of Jandor, that was why we left Jandor. Also, the way he chose his Deputy is another factor,” he said.
Coordinator, Jandor for Diaspora, Kashim Akanbi, said the emergence of Tinubu as the party’s candidate changed the dynamics of politics not only in Lagos but the entire Nigeria, saying he had no option than to join the progressives.
He said, “By this declaration, all the support and contributions we have given to Jandor and our former party, we are bringing it to APC.”
Another leader of the defectors, Mr. Ahmed Mofeola, stated that Tinubu had done well for the country and it is time the people reciprocated his good gesture by voting for him.
“My vote is for Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu,” he declared.
The state Deputy Governor who handed the party’s flags to the defectors said they have made the right decision.
He said the state is moving in the right direction hence the need for Lagosians to support the re-election of Sanwo-Olu, stating that Lagos is the only state in the world that’s singlehandedly funding the rail.
“Lagos State is moving in the right direction and if the state is moving in the right direction, why do you want to give the job of a mechanic to a carpenter,” he said.
The state chairman of APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi said the party would integrate the defectors in the party without any hassle, saying there will always be a space for anyone.