Special Features
Jandor’s Brief Stint in PDP: Publicity Stunt or Sincere Aspiration?
As Jandor entered the political spotlight, many questioned his background, motivations, and future goals.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Jonathan Slams Tinubu: Rivers State Emergency Damages Nigeria’s Image
- ‘We Will Not Take Sides’ – Nigeria Governors Forum Speaks On Emergency Rule In Rivers
- Baobab Nigeria Boosts MSMEs with N500bn in Loans, Advances Financial Inclusion
Some even speculated whether he was planted as a mole by the APC or genuinely aspired to govern the state.
Jandor’s career trajectory, evolving from a photographer during Babajide Fashola’s administration to a media owner and gubernatorial candidate under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, has surprised many.
Controversies surrounding his candidacy, such as the stepping down of Gbadebo-Rhodes Vivour and the appointment of Funke Akindele as his running mate, added further intrigue to Lagos politics.
Although PDP leaders were shocked by Jandor’s decision to team up with Akindele instead of Vivour, they chose to give him the benefit of the doubt, even though most weren’t happy.
Despite lingering questions about Jandor’s true intentions, political will and leadership prowess, Jandor hinge to the ticket,went to the poll and came a distant third, the worst results in election history.
Despite founding the Lagos4Lagos movement and claiming to have established a strong political structure across the state, Jandor failed to make a significant impact in the polls.
In the aftermath of the election, Jandor’s running mate, Funke Akindele, swiftly removed all campaign-related content from her social media, turning her focus back to her acting career.
These actions fueled speculation about Jandor’s true intentions within the PDP. While he accused PDP leaders of anti-party activities, his subsequent return to the APC indicated that he might have been an APC loyalist all along.
Top party members suggested that Jandor’s gubernatorial bid was more of a publicity stunt than a genuine attempt at governing Lagos State.
However, political analysts argue that Jandor’s participation in the race may have elevated his political standing, transforming him from a mere political errand boy to a leader in his own right, who possiblity will now have to be one of the decider of Lagos politics.
Supporters of Jandor argue that his willingness to challenge the status quo and confront the ruling party demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving the lives of Lagosians, most are now in a confused state either to remain in the PDP or return to the initial APC where they all came from.
The dominance of the ruling party in Lagos State since 1999 highlights the need for a passionate, well-resourced, and politically savvy opposition to effect change.
The effectiveness of opposition parties in Lagos State has been limited by their inability to field competitive candidates who possess the necessary charisma and resources to challenge the ruling party’s grip on power.
This systemic issue extends beyond individual candidates and may require a deeper examination of the political environment in the state.
A successful opposition that intends to govern Lagos must be strategic in its approach, addressing both systemic obstacles and the selection of strong, credible candidates.
FURTHER READING
- Rivers Crisis: Senate President Godswill Akpabio Dismisses $15,000 Bribery Allegations
- Ooni Breaks Silence on Oluwo’s Allegations, Labels Them Baseless
- FAAC Allocates N1.678 Trillion February Revenue to FG, States, and LGs
Jandor’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the need for transparency and genuine commitment for opposition parties who intends to govern Lagos.
Click here to watch video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at ekohotblog@gmail.com. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
