LAGOS, Nigeria – Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the Lagos governorship race, narrowing the contest between Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Samuel Ajose, despite earlier procuring the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
It was gathered that Jandor pulled out of the 2027 governorship race barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu endorsed the decision of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) to adopt Hamzat as the party’s consensus candidate.
The development is expected to reshape the race, effectively narrowing the field for other aspirants, including former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, whose supporters have been calling for his return to complete ongoing initiatives, as well as Samuel Ajose, while Adediran has now stepped aside from the contest.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Jandor said he would align with the position and direction of the President regarding the Lagos State gubernatorial process, stressing that party supremacy and strategic alignment are key to sustaining the gains achieved over the years.
He said his decision to withdraw from the race was not borne out of weakness or lack of capacity, but rather strength, discipline, and respect for party cohesion and unity.
According to him, the move was driven by conviction, consultation, and a desire to contribute to the progress of the state, noting that leadership also requires making difficult but necessary decisions that prioritise collective interest over personal ambition.
“Let me be unequivocal: I remain a loyal and committed member of the APC. I also reaffirm my unalloyed loyalty and respect for the President and national leader of our party, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His leadership remains central to the stability and progress of our party and the nation at large,” he said.
Jandor also expressed appreciation to the Lagos4Lagos Movement, noting that the group has always been about a cause—equity, inclusion, and a better Lagos for all.
“That cause remains alive and must now find expression in our collective support for the party’s chosen direction,” he added.
He urged party supporters, leaders, and stakeholders to remain calm, focused, and united, stressing that the moment calls for consolidation rather than division.
“Politics is a continuum. Today’s decision is part of a larger journey of service, and I remain fully committed to contributing meaningfully to the growth of our party and the development of Lagos State,” he said.
