Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the race for the 2027 Lagos State governorship ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), just 24 hours after obtaining his nomination forms.
Adediran announced his decision on Thursday during a media briefing held at Liberty House, Adeniyi Jones Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, in the presence of leaders and supporters of the Lagos4Lagos movement.
His withdrawal comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The development effectively reshapes the party’s emerging lineup in Lagos, consolidating support around Hamzat following internal consultations within the ruling party.
Explaining his decision, Jandor said he was acting in line with his earlier commitment to respect the directive and political direction of President Bola Tinubu and the party leadership.
READ ALSO: Lagos: Ambode throws in the towel, endorses Hamzat as APC consensus candidate
“Within hours after I purchased my nomination forms, there were developments, including a meeting involving the President and the Deputy Governor. It was subsequently made known that the President had endorsed Dr. Obafemi Hamzat,” he said.
“Based on my earlier position that I will align with the direction of the President, I have decided to withdraw from the race.”
He urged his supporters to remain calm, stressing the need for unity and discipline within the APC as the party prepares for its internal processes ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers say the withdrawal further strengthens the consolidation of the APC’s Lagos structure around its preferred candidates, as consultations continue ahead of the primaries and eventual general elections.
The Lagos4Lagos movement leader also called for continued loyalty to the party, noting that internal cohesion was critical to maintaining the APC’s dominance in the state’s political landscape.