By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the 2027 Lagos State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress, declaring support for the consensus candidate of the party, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, reports thegazellenews.com
Jandor announced the decision on Thursday, 30 April , 2026, saying it followed consultations and recent political developments within the party, including what he described as the endorsement of Hamzat by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos party leaders.
He said his withdrawal was necessary to protect party unity and prioritise collective interest above personal ambition.
According to him, he had only days earlier purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the 2027 gubernatorial contest under the APC platform, driven by a desire to serve Lagos and contribute to its progress.
“A few days ago, I took a decisive step in line with my aspiration to serve by procuring the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms,” he said, adding that the move was based on conviction, consultation and commitment to the state.
However, he said leadership also requires the courage to make difficult decisions when the broader interest of the party is at stake.
“Following the endorsement of Dr. Kadiri 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 stated.
Furthermore, Jandor stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness or incapacity, but rather as an act of discipline and loyalty to the party.
“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,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and to President Tinubu, whom he described as central to the stability and progress of both the party and the country.
“I remain a loyal and committed member of the APC,” he said. “I also reaffirm my unalloyed loyalty and respect for the President and national leader of our party.”
Jandor directed members of the Lagos4Lagos Movement to align with the party’s chosen path, insisting that the movement has always stood for equity, inclusion and a better Lagos rather than personal ambition.
“This movement has never been about one individual; it has always been about a cause,” he said, urging supporters to remain calm, focused and united.
In addition, he described the moment as one for consolidation rather than division, saying politics remains a continuum and that his decision forms part of a broader journey of service.
Jandor pledged to continue contributing to the growth of the APC and the development of Lagos State, while thanking the media and supporters across the state for their loyalty and confidence.
