Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has expressed confidence in his political journey despite not winning the 2023 Lagos State governorship election.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate firmly believes that if not for the “Peter Obi effect,” the outcome of the election might have been different.
During a recent interview, Jandor stated that the unexpected wave of support for the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, played a major role in reshaping voting patterns.
He explained that the momentum generated by Obi’s candidacy created an unforeseen shift that affected several elections, including the governorship race in Lagos.
“We did everything, but that wave came and swallowed the whole thing. Nobody saw that coming,” Jandor said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election.
He secured 762,134 votes, while LP’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour finished second with 312,329 votes. Jandor came in third place with 62,449 votes.
Despite his position in the final results, Jandor remains optimistic about his political journey.
When asked whether he would have won if not for Obi’s influence, he responded with confidence.
“Absolutely, I probably would have won the election at the governorship election. The 2023 election came with this Tsunami that nobody ever expected, and it was there for everybody to see,” he stated.
His remarks highlight the significant impact of Obi’s movement, which resonated strongly among voters in Lagos and beyond.
Many analysts believe that the unexpected surge in LP’s popularity diverted votes that could have otherwise gone to PDP.
As the state prepares for future elections, Jandor’s experience in 2023 could serve as a stepping stone for upcoming political battles.
His confidence, despite the outcome, signals his readiness to continue advocating for change.
The “Peter Obi effect” may have altered the political landscape in Lagos, but Jandor remains determined to make a lasting impact.
