A former Lagos governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race ahead of the 2027 election, amid growing support for Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
Jandor announced his withdrawal on Thursday, just a day after Hamzat was presented to President Bola Tinubu by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) as the party’s consensus candidate.
In a statement posted on X, Jandor explained that his decision was based on the need to place party unity above personal ambition.
“However, leadership also demands the capacity to make difficult but necessary decisions that prioritize collective interest above personal ambition.
“Following the endorsement of Dr. Kadiri Hamzat by our Leader, the President of Nigeria, and Leaders of our party in Lagos, and in recognition of the prevailing realities within the political landscape of our great party, I have decided to withdraw from the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race.
“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.”
His withdrawal came on the same day former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode publicly endorsed Hamzat, adding to earlier backing from President Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Ambode described Hamzat as a loyal party stalwart whose emergence reflects years of dedication to the APC.
“I join my fellow members of the All Progressives Congress to congratulate my brother and friend, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, on his emergence as the Consensus Governorship Candidate of our great party, the APC,” Ambode said.
“Your deliberate and purposeful consultations with the Party hierarchy and all members of the Party have demonstrated you are a true Party man committed to the Party’s ideals and values of Unity and Progress.”
He further stated that Hamzat’s emergence reflects “loyalty, hardwork and dedication to the party for over two decades,” expressing confidence that Lagos would benefit from his “wealth of experience and skills in governance.”
Jandor, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, defected to the APC last year and had recently indicated his interest in contesting for the party’s governorship ticket.
His withdrawal follows days of strategic consultations and alignments within the ruling party as influential stakeholders consolidate support around Hamzat.
Before stepping down, Jandor had insisted on an open and competitive primary process, warning against any attempt to impose a candidate.
“We note the ongoing speculations alleging that a preferred aspirant has been anointed; we restate that no aspirant has been anointed and that all aspirants will participate in a credible primary election,” he had said in an earlier statement.
Details surrounding the internal negotiations that led to his withdrawal were not immediately available as of press time.
Hamzat’s growing momentum has been largely driven by endorsements from powerful APC stakeholders, including members of the Governance Advisory Council led by Tajudeen Olusi.
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had on Wednesday disclosed that the president endorsed Hamzat during a meeting involving the council and Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Reacting to the development, Hamzat described the endorsement as both an honour and a responsibility.
“I am indeed very grateful for the vote of confidence and endorsement. I am fully aware of the responsibility it carries,” he said.
He added that he remains committed to sustaining and expanding the developmental achievements recorded in Lagos State.
Despite the wave of endorsements, party insiders maintain that the APC primary process remains open, though political observers believe Hamzat has now emerged as the clear frontrunner in the race.
What You Should Know
Jandor’s withdrawal from the Lagos APC governorship race marks a major shift in the party’s internal political landscape ahead of 2027.
His exit significantly strengthens Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat’s position as the likely APC candidate, especially following endorsements from President Tinubu, Ambode, and other party leaders. The move reflects the strong influence of party consensus arrangements in Lagos politics.
While the APC insists the primary remains open, the growing alignment behind Hamzat suggests the race may already be tilting heavily in his favour.
Jandor’s decision also signals his willingness to prioritise party unity, a move that could preserve his political relevance within the APC.
