Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has made a dramatic return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), just weeks after quitting the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The former governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos State announced his defection to the ruling APC during a press conference in Lagos today, highlighting his shift in political allegiance.
The Culture of Political Cross-Carpeting in Nigeria
Jandor’s move is yet another example of the deep-rooted trend of political cross-carpeting in Nigeria, where politicians frequently switch parties in pursuit of power, influence, or political survival.
In recent years, Nigeria’s political space has been marred by a lack of ideological consistency, with defections often driven by personal ambition rather than principles or policies.
This culture of political fluidity has weakened the credibility of political parties in Nigeria, making them mere platforms for personal advancement rather than institutions of governance with clear policy directions.
Voters, who once aligned with parties based on their manifestos and promises, are now left confused and disillusioned as politicians change allegiances without accountability or explanation.
Jandor’s Justification and Political Realities
In his statement, Jandor tried to justify his defection by citing a Yoruba adage, suggesting that his experience in the PDP made him realize the APC was a better option.
This explanation, however, underscores a deeper issue—politicians in Nigeria often see party membership as a temporary arrangement rather than a commitment to an ideological cause.
While Jandor’s initial move to the PDP was seen as a bold challenge to the APC’s dominance in Lagos, his return raises questions about his political consistency and reliability.
How does he expect the electorate to trust his leadership if he can easily abandon a party that once carried his gubernatorial ambition?
Implications for the 2027 Elections
Jandor’s defection is not just an isolated event but part of a larger pattern that could shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Here are some key implications:
- Weakening Opposition Strength: The continuous defection of politicians from opposition parties to the ruling APC further weakens opposition strength, making it difficult for democracy to thrive.
- With key figures switching sides, the PDP and other opposition parties risk losing credibility and electoral influence.
- Diminished Voter Trust: Frequent party defections erode voter confidence in the political process.
Nigerians are increasingly disillusioned with politicians who prioritize personal gain over party loyalty and national development.
This could lead to lower voter turnout in future elections, as many citizens may feel that their votes do not count in a system dominated by political self-interest.
- APC’s Internal Tensions: While the APC may celebrate Jandor’s return as a political victory, his reintegration into the party may not be smooth. Political realignments often come with conflicts over positions, influence, and control within the party.
- His return could create rifts within APC Lagos, where internal power struggles are already a reality.
- Future Defections and Political Instability: Jandor’s case sets a precedent that could encourage more politicians to defect as 2027 approaches.
- If party allegiance is based solely on short-term gains rather than long-term commitment, Nigeria’s political landscape will continue to suffer from instability, making it harder to implement sustainable policies and governance.
Jandor’s return to the APC is a reflection of a larger systemic issue—Nigeria’s politics lacks ideological depth and accountability.
If political parties are to regain the trust of the people, there must be stronger institutional measures to discourage defections based purely on personal interests.
One possible solution is electoral reform, including stricter laws on party-switching, such as requiring defectors to forfeit their elected positions or face fresh elections.
Additionally, political education should be promoted to help Nigerians demand better accountability from their leaders.
As 2027 approaches, political cross-carpeting will likely intensify, but it remains to be seen whether Nigerian voters will continue to tolerate it or demand a more principled political system. Until then, the revolving door of party defections will remain a major setback to Nigeria’s democratic development.
