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Just In: Jandor Returns To APC, Gives Reasons
Former Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, also known as JANDOR, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
JANDOR disclosed yesterday at a briefing, stating that his decision was driven by his desire to contribute to the progress of Lagos State and his belief that unity among progressives is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of the people.
He said he had no regrets joining the PDP which he had since dumped for APC, but quickly recalled a popular Yoruba adage which “says if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better.”
The former PDP governorship candidate, however, said he took the final decision after extensive consultations with his “family, political associates, elder statesmen, supporters, and well- meaning Lagosian who shared his vision for greater and more prosperous Lagos, and in identifying that the primary reason a political party exists is to win elections and ultimately form the government to contribute to the welfare, security and total development of the people.”
“Our return to APC is not a decision made lightly. It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos State and our belief that unity among progressive is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of our people,” he said.
“Before this press conference, I had reached out to the leadership of the APC, both at the state and national levels, and I can tell you, their reactions have been so welcoming. Let me assure Mr. President of our readiness to contribute our experience, vision, and energy to the ongoing work of making Nigeria of opportunities, growth and inclusive development,” he added.
He explained that his journey in the PDP during the 2023 gubernatorial election was driven by a sincere desire to win for the party and serve the people of Lagos State.
However, he noted that working within the fold of the APC offers a more viable platform to deliver on his promises of good governance for all Lagosians.
JANDOR also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, for their roles in facilitating his return to the APC.
The former PDP candidate assured his supporters that his decision was taken with the best interest of Lagos at heart and urged them to join him in embracing this new chapter as they work together to build a Lagos that works for everyone.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Murtala Garo, has welcomed Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the party.
Garo described the governor’s defection as a positive development for political stability and sustainable growth in the state.
Garo, who is also a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said in a statement on Tuesday that Yusuf’s decision demonstrated political maturity and foresight at a time when Kano and Nigeria require unity and inclusive governance.
“I formally welcome His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, into the All Progressives Congress. This is a significant and commendable step in our collective quest for political stability, inclusive governance and sustainable development in Kano State,” Garo said.
He praised Yusuf’s leadership, noting that his calm disposition and commitment to public welfare distinguish him as a leader willing to place peace and progress above partisan considerations.
“By this decisive action, His Excellency has shown the ability to rise above partisan divides in the interest of peace, progress and unity,” Garo added.
Garo said the governor’s move also reflected an understanding of the political and economic challenges facing Kano State and the country.
He expressed confidence that Yusuf’s entry into the APC would strengthen the party’s reform agenda and enhance cooperation between the state and federal governments.
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged to work with the governor and other stakeholders to promote good governance, political harmony and policies that benefit the people of Kano.
Otunba Adekunle Ojora, a legendary figure in Nigeria’s corporate world and a prominent Lagos traditional leader, has passed away at the age of 93.
According to an official family statement signed by his daughter, Toyin Ojora-Saraki, he died peacefully at his home in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Widely celebrated as one of Nigeria’s most influential corporate leaders of the post-independence era, Otunba Adekunle Ojora carved an exceptional legacy that spanned journalism, public service, politics, and big-ticket corporate governance. He was Chairman of the Board of AGIP Nigeria Limited from 1971 until its acquisition by Unipetrol in 2002.
Ojora’s professional journey began in the early 1950s at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) after studying journalism at Regent Street Polytechnic, London. Rising to the position of assistant editor, he later returned to Nigeria in 1955 to join the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as a reporter. He later moved to Ibadan, where he served as an information officer in the office of the then regional premier.
In 1961, he transitioned into the corporate world, joining the United African Company (UAC) as Public Relations Manager and becoming an Executive Director in 1962. His interest in commerce and enterprise deepened in the years that followed, marking the start of a lifelong influence in Nigerian boardrooms.
Following the military coup that ended the First Republic, Otunba Ojora was nominated to the Lagos City Council in 1966. In 1967, he held two key appointments: Managing Director of WEMABOD, a regional property and investment company, and Chairman of the Nigerian National Shipping Line, succeeding Chief Kola Balogun.
After leaving WEMABOD, he expanded his footprint as a major investor and entrepreneur. He held significant interests in AGIP Petroleum Marketing, NCR Nigeria, and founded several private firms, including Nigerlink Industries, Unital Builders, and Lagos Investments, a holding company. In the wake of the Nigerian Enterprise Promotion Act, he acquired equity stakes in numerous foreign companies operating in Nigeria, including Bowring Group, Inchcape, Schlumberger, Phoenix Assurance, UTC Nigeria, Evans Brothers, and Seven-Up.
Beyond the boardroom, Otunba Ojora was deeply rooted in tradition. He was the Otunba of Lagos, Lisa of Ife and Olori Omo Oba of Lagos.
He is survived by his wife, Erelu Ojuolape, and children, including, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
The group led by notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji has executed a rival leader, Abdu Lankai, in the Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident was disclosed on Wednesday in a post on X by Bakatsine, a journalist who reports on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest.
Bakatsine disclosed that Abdu Lankai was reportedly captured on Tuesday afternoon during a reconciliation meeting with rival commanders, Dogo Rabe and Black, both linked to Bello Turji.
He wrote: “Sources confirm the killing of Abdu Lankai, an armed group leader central to enforcing a local peace arrangement in Jibia LGA, Katsina State.
“He was reportedly captured yesterday afternoon during a reconciliation meeting with rival commanders Dogo Rabe and Black, both linked to Bello Turji, and later executed.
“With Lankai gone, can Jibia’s fragile calm hold or does this mark the collapse of the peace deal?”
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