Jandor Withdraws from Lagos Governorship Race, Backs APC Consensus Candidate

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdul-Azeez Adediran, has withdrawn from the 2027 Lagos State governorship race.

Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, announced his decision following the endorsement of the state’s Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the party’s consensus candidate.

In a statement, he said his withdrawal was in deference to party unity and internal cohesion, stressing that the decision was taken after consultations with party leaders, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Following the endorsement of Dr. Hamzat by our leader, the President of Nigeria, and leaders of our party in Lagos, I have decided to withdraw from the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race,” he said.

“This decision is not borne out of weakness or a lack of capacity, but out of strength, discipline, and a deep respect for party cohesion and unity.”

The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged full support for the party’s direction ahead of the election.

Adediran also disclosed that the decision was finalised during a meeting in Abuja with President Tinubu, noting that party supremacy and strategic alignment remain critical to sustaining political gains.

He urged members of his political base, the Lagos4Lagos Movement, to support the party’s consensus candidate, emphasising that the movement’s core ideals equity, inclusion, and a better Lagos remain intact.

“To the Lagos4Lagos Movement, this has never been about an individual, but about a cause. That cause remains alive and must now find expression in our collective support for the party’s chosen direction,” he added.

His withdrawal further consolidates support within the APC ahead of what is expected to be a highly strategic contest in Lagos State.