A former Lagos State governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jandor announced his decision on Thursday via a statement shared on his Facebook page, just a day after purchasing the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms.
Explaining his move, he cited the recent endorsement of the state Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, by top party leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a major factor influencing his decision.
According to him, the political realities within the party made it necessary to step aside in the interest of unity.
“Following the endorsement of Dr. Hamzat by our leader, the President of Nigeria, and other leaders of our party in Lagos, I have decided to withdraw from the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race,” he said.
Jandor emphasised that his withdrawal should not be mistaken for weakness, but rather seen as a demonstration of discipline and loyalty to the party’s collective interest.
“This decision is not borne out of weakness or lack of capacity, but out of strength, discipline, and a deep respect for party cohesion and unity,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and pledged to support the party’s direction ahead of the election, urging his supporters to remain steadfast and united.
Jandor also expressed gratitude to members of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, describing it as a platform built on equity, inclusion, and the pursuit of better governance.
His withdrawal comes amid intensifying political realignments within the Lagos APC as preparations gather pace for the 2027 governorship election.
The race has increasingly tilted in favour of Hamzat following consultations among party stakeholders, particularly within the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which plays a key role in determining succession in the state.
Momentum further shifted after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the GAC openly endorsed Hamzat as their preferred candidate.
The endorsement was later reinforced during a visit by Lagos APC leaders to President Tinubu in Abuja, where Hamzat was presented as the consensus choice of the party’s leadership in Lagos.
Advertisement
