Lagos, Nigeria — Dr Azeez Olajide Adediran, widely known as Jandor, has dismissed claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has already chosen a preferred candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
In a statement released on Saturday, Jandor’s spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a transparent and credible primary process. The statement described reports suggesting the emergence of an “anointed” aspirant as unfounded and inconsistent with the official position of Lagos APC leadership.
“We have observed ongoing speculation alleging that a preferred aspirant has been selected ahead of the 2027 governorship election. We wish to reiterate that no such decision has been taken,” the statement read.
It further emphasised that, in line with earlier communications from the state party chairman, all interested aspirants would be given a fair opportunity to contest in a level-playing-field primary election.
Ogunleye added that Jandor remains committed to the democratic process within the party and continues to engage stakeholders while consolidating his grassroots support base across Lagos State. He noted, however, that Jandor is equally guided by party discipline and would respect any collective decision of the party leadership, including the possible adoption of a consensus candidate.
“This position reflects both his readiness to contest and his willingness to respect the outcome of any decision reached by the party,” the spokesman stated.
Jandor also urged party members and supporters to avoid interpreting individual campaigns or group endorsements as the official stance of the party or its leadership. He stressed that only pronouncements from the party and its recognised leadership should be regarded as authoritative.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation in political circles about the APC’s succession plans in Lagos, a state that has been under APC control since 1999. The party has yet to announce a timeline for the governorship primary, but internal consultations are believed to be underway as aspirants position themselves for the race.
