Lagos politician Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, withdrew from the 2027 Lagos State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress on Thursday. He threw his support behind the endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s consensus candidate.
Abdul-Azeez Adediran made the announcement after party leaders endorsed Hamzat. He cited the strong backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Lagos APC leaders.
“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,” Abdul-Azeez Adediran stated.
Abdul-Azeez Adediran acknowledged the decision of the Governance Advisory Council, which unanimously adopted Obafemi Hamzat. He also noted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s public support for the deputy governor. Moreover Abdul-Azeez Adediran aligned with the prevailing party position. Moreover, he emphasized unity within the APC ahead of the 2027 election.
The endorsement of Obafemi Hamzat gained momentum in recent days. The Governance Advisory Council met at Lagos House and confirmed him as the consensus candidate. Shortly after, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed support for the arrangement. In addition, several party stakeholders pledged to back Hamzat.
Abdul-Azeez Adediran had earlier purchased APC nomination forms and mobilized support for a direct primary. However he shifted course after the rapid consolidation around Obafemi Hamzat. Furthermore, he urged other aspirants to recognize the party’s direction.
The withdrawal reduced the number of active contenders in the APC race. As a result, the party moved closer to presenting a single candidate for the 2027 governorship election. Obafemi Hamzat, who served as deputy governor under Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emerged as the central figure in the succession plan.
Political observers noted that the development reflected the influence of top party leaders in shaping the Lagos APC’s strategy. Abdul-Azeez Adediran’s move also signaled a willingness among some aspirants to prioritize party cohesion over individual ambition.
