A prominent Lagos State Governorship aspirant, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has announced his withdrawal from the race.
He cited President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of the Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress consensus candidate.
Adediran, the Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday.
The Eagle Online reports that Hamzat had on Monday disclosed that President Tinubu has blessed his 2027 Lagos governorship ambition under the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC.
Hamzat confirmed the development after a meeting between President Tinubu and the GAC, the highest decision-making organ of the Lagos State APC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking to Journalists, after the closed-door meeting, he said the delegation, led by GAC chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi, attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presented him to the President and received his blessing for the decision to back his candidature.
Reacting to the development, Adediran said: “We made it known from day one that we have a single aspiration—to contest for the governorship of Lagos State in 2027.
“We also pledged to support whoever the party eventually presents as its candidate.
“In line with our earlier position that we will align with the decision of the party and the President, I hereby announce my withdrawal from the governorship race.
“We have always said that whoever the party presents will be our rallying point. We are committed to working for the success of the party and all its candidates in the 2027 elections.”
Adediran, the 2023 PDP governorship candidate, urged his supporters to remain steadfast and united in support of the APC.
He recalled that upon his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in March 2025, the group was warmly received by Bola Tinubu and subsequently integrated its structures into the party.
According to him, the group demonstrated its commitment during the June/July 2025 local government elections by supporting APC candidates across all levels.
“We mobilised extensively, provided campaign materials, and inaugurated street captains who undertook door-to-door engagement, despite not fielding any candidates for councillor or chairman positions,” he said.
Adediran noted that the group’s efforts earned formal commendations from the Lagos APC leadership, including letters of appreciation from the party chairman and secretary.
He emphasised that their involvement in party activities was driven by a belief in party supremacy and collective success.
“We have no appointments and hold no office, yet we remain committed to ensuring the party’s victory in all elections,” he said.
Adediran reiterated that his governorship ambition for 2027 had always been clear and openly declared.
He expressed gratitude to supporters who contributed financially toward the purchase of his nomination form, describing the aspiration as a collective project.
“Do not be sorrowful. This is not a personal ambition but a shared vision. I deeply appreciate every contribution, no matter how small,” he added.
Adediran thanked party members and the media for their support.
The development followed several recent endorsements by party leaders, including Governor Sanwo-Olu’s public declaration on Monday at Lagos House, Marina, backing Hamzat as the best man to succeed him.
Subsequently, the GAC followed suit in a unanimous adoption at a meeting held at the same venue.
The 34-member council also purchased the governorship nomination form and expression of interest form at the cost of N50 million in support of his ambition.
