Lagos‑based APC governorship hopeful Dr Olajide Adediran, popularly known as “Jandor,” announced his withdrawal from the 2027 Lagos State governorship race on Thursday. Speaking to the media, senior members of the Lagos4Lagos movement and supporters at the Liberty House, Adeniyi Jones Secretariat in Ikeja, Adediran said his decision follows President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of the incumbent deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
Adediran disclosed that the development unfolded shortly after he purchased his nomination forms. “Within hours of acquiring the forms, there were meetings involving the President and the Deputy Governor,” he said. “Subsequently, the President publicly endorsed Dr Obafemi Hamzat.” Citing his earlier commitment to align with the President’s direction, Adediran concluded that stepping aside was the appropriate course of action.
The withdrawal removes one of the most visible challengers to Hamzat, who has served as Lagos State’s deputy governor since 2023 and is widely regarded as Tinubu’s preferred successor. The president’s endorsement, delivered at a rally last week, has galvanized support for Hamzat among senior APC figures and the party’s grassroots structures.
Adediran entered the contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner as part of the Lagos4Lagos platform, which seeks to promote indigenous leadership and development initiatives. His campaign had emphasized youth empowerment, infrastructural renewal and fiscal transparency. However, the rapid consolidation of party support behind Hamzat left little room for intra‑party competition, prompting Adediran’s withdrawal.
Political analysts note that the move underscores the APC’s strategy to present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections, minimizing internal fissures that could benefit opposition parties. With the governorship primary calendar approaching, the party is expected to formalize Hamzat’s candidacy in the coming weeks.
The withdrawal also has implications for the broader Lagos4Lagos movement, which will need to reassess its role within the APC hierarchy. Observers anticipate that former Adediran supporters may be redirected to bolster Hamzat’s campaign, strengthening the incumbent’s position in the upcoming electoral cycle.
The development marks a significant shift in the Lagos governorship contest, consolidating the incumbent deputy governor’s status as the APC’s presumptive candidate and potentially influencing the dynamics of the 2027 Lagos State elections.
