By Abiola Olawale
Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has officially withdrawn his bid for the governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This comes as APC has solidified its front by naming Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as its consensus candidate.
Jandor, who flew the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag in the 2023 elections and was previously seen as a formidable challenger for 2027, announced his withdrawal on Thursday.
Jandor wrote on X: “However, leadership also demands the capacity to make difficult but necessary decisions that prioritize collective interest above personal ambition.
“Following the endorsement of Dr. Kadiri Hamzat by our Leader, the President of Nigeria, and the 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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode publicly endorsed Hamzat, adding to earlier backing from President Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“I join my fellow members of the All Progressives Congress to congratulate my brother and friend, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, on his emergence as the Consensus Governorship Candidate of our great party, the APC,” Ambode said.
“Your deliberate and purposeful consultations with the Party hierarchy and all members of the Party have demonstrated you are a true Party man committed to the Party’s ideals and values of Unity and Progress.”
Ambode further noted that Hamzat’s emergence reflects “loyalty, hard work, and dedication to the party for over two decades,” expressing confidence that Lagos would benefit from his “wealth of experience and skills in governance.”
