- Safiu Kehinde
The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Lagos governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has stepped from the race to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the 2027 election.
Abdul-Azeez who returned to the APC last year had initially declared his interest in emerging the successor of the current governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The politician had remained vocal about his aspiration despite series of endorsements of the current deputy governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred aspirant to contest for the election.
NPO Reported that Hamzat had secured endorsements from his principal, Sanwo-Olu, Lagos House Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Hamzat would further gain more edge above other aspirants as the Lagos Governing Advisory Council (GAC) adopted him as their consensus candidate.
The deputy governor’s final endorsement by President Bola Tinubu yesterday appeared to have dealt a huge blow to Abdul-Azeez’s aspiration as he announced his withdrawal from the race barely 24 hours after Tinubu’s approval of Hamzat’s candidacy.
Jandor, who had earlier this week picked the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms announced his withdrawal from the race in a statement issued on his official X handle on Thursday.
He described the withdrawal as a difficult but necessary decision that pritorise collective interest above personal ambition.
“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.
“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.
Jandor however reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling party as he expressed readiness to align with the position of Tinubu.
“Let me be unequivocal: I remain a loyal and committed member of the APC. I also reaffirm my unalloyed loyalty and respect for the President and national leader of our party, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“His leadership remains central to the stability and progress of our party and the nation at large. In line with this, I hereby fully align myself with the position and direction of Mr. President regarding the Lagos State gubernatorial process.
“Party supremacy and strategic alignment are critical to sustaining the gains we have collectively built over the years.” He said.
The Lagos4Lagos Movement convener expressed his gratitude to the group for their support.
While maintaining that the cause of the group remains alive, Jandor called for calm and focus.
He charged to support group to align with the party’s chosen direction.
“To the Lagos4Lagos Movement, I extend my profound gratitude. This movement has never been about one individual; it has always been about a cause, equity, inclusion, and a better Lagos for all.
“That cause remains alive, and it must now find expression in our collective support for the party’s chosen direction.
“I urge all our supporters, leaders, and stakeholders to remain calm, focused, and committed.
“This is a moment to consolidate, not to divide; to build, not to fracture. Politics is a continuum.
“Today’s decision is part of a larger journey of service, and I remain fully committed to contributing meaningfully to the growth of our party and the development of Lagos State.” He said.
Jandor also expressed his gratitude to the media for their continued engagement with the political development in the state.
“To the media, I thank you for your professionalism and continued engagement. To our supporters across the state, your loyalty and belief have been humbling. I do not take it for granted.
“Together, we will continue to work for the progress of Lagos and the success of our great party.” He added.