Mega Coalition is Coming: ‘We’ve Cleared PDP to See the Front,’ Says Jandor

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a riveting appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, hinted at a seismic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“A bigger coalition is coming,” Jandor declared, igniting speculation about a potential alliance that could reshape the nation’s fractious political scene.

Yet, in a candid twist, he admitted, “I don’t know myself where I’m going for now,” underscoring the uncertainty that still clouds his next move.

A bigger coalition is coming

Jandor’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s political arena is teeming with options, with 17 other registered political parties beyond the dominant PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) vying for relevance.

From the Labour Party (LP) to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and smaller outfits like the Social Democratic Party (SDP), these parties represent a fragmented but vibrant opposition landscape—potential partners in what Jandor envisions as a united front.

We want to clear our face to see road first

“We want to clear our face to see road first,” he emphasized, suggesting a desire to streamline efforts and forge clarity amid the chaos of competing interests.

The former PDP flagbearer, who ran a spirited but unsuccessful campaign against APC’s Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial election, appeared reflective yet resolute.

His call for a coalition hints at lessons learned from the last election cycle, where a divided opposition—split notably between PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, LP’s Peter Obi, and others—failed to unseat the ruling APC at both state and federal levels. Political analysts see Jandor’s statement as a rallying cry, potentially aimed at unifying progressive forces ahead of future contests.

There are 17 other parties out there as options to me

“I’ve always believed in the power of the people,” Jandor said during the interview. “But for us to move forward, we need to come together—PDP, LP, whoever is ready.

There are 17 other parties out there as options to me. A coalition is coming in Nigeria, and it’s going to be bigger than what we’ve seen before.” His words, delivered with a mix of conviction and ambiguity, left viewers and political watchers buzzing about what form this coalition might take—and who might lead it.

Jandor’s openness about his uncertain path added a layer of intrigue. “I don’t know myself where I’m going for now,” he confessed, a rare admission from a politician known for his grassroots mobilization in Lagos.

Some interpret this as a strategic pause, a moment to reassess after the PDP’s internal struggles and electoral setbacks. Others see it as an invitation, signaling his willingness to collaborate with new allies beyond the PDP fold.

The timing of his comments is notable. With Nigeria grappling with economic challenges, insecurity, and growing public discontent, the appetite for a credible alternative to the APC has never been higher.

The 17 other political parties, though individually small, collectively represent a diverse voter base that could tip the scales if united. Jandor’s Lagos base, coupled with his ties to PDP heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, positions him as a potential bridge-builder—though his next steps remain unclear.

As the interview concluded, Jandor left the door ajar for what’s to come. “Watch this space,” he teased, smiling. “We’re clearing the road, and when it’s clear, you’ll see where we’re headed.

” For now, Nigeria’s political observers are left to ponder: Will Jandor’s coalition materialize, and can it harness the power of the nation’s many parties to challenge the status quo? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the drumbeat of change is growing louder.