.stands by Tinubu’s endorsement of Hamzat
By Our Reporter
Barely 24 hours after obtaining Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for Lagos State governorship race on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the race.
Jandor announced his withdrawal from the race in a statement, copy of which was made available to newsmen on Thursday, saying that the decision to withdraw from the race was informed by the respect he has for the collective decision of the leadership of the party that decided that the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat, should be presented as the consensus candidate of the party.
Recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady, Olufemi Tinubu, Governor's Advisory Council (GAC), among others have since endorsed Hamzat as the consensus candidate for Lagos guber race, ahead of 2027 General Elections.
"A few days ago, I took a decisive step in line with my aspiration to serve by procuring the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial election under the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). That step was driven by conviction, consultation, and a genuine desire to contribute to the progress of our state.
"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 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.
Adediran, however, said he remained a loyal and committed member of the party with an unalloyed loyalty for President Tinubu, whose leadership, he affirmed remained central to the stability and progress of the ruling APC and the nation at large.
"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," Jandor said.
Jandor equally expressed his gratitude to members of his group the Lagos4Lagos Movement, noting that movement had never been about one individual, but had always been about a cause, equity, inclusion, and a better Lagos for all.
He assured that the cause remained alive and must now find expression in its collective support for the party’s chosen direction, urging all his supporters, leaders, and stakeholders in the movement to remain calm, focused, and committed.
"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," Jandor said.
"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.
"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.
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