JUST IN: Jandor steps down from Lagos 2027 governorship race

Olajide Adediran, known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the 2027 Lagos State governorship contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has returned fully to the party structure.

He made the announcement on Thursday during a meeting with supporters, party leaders, and members of the Lagos4Lagos Movement at Liberty House in Ikeja.

His decision comes after President Bola Tinubu publicly backed Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the race, a development that shifted the internal dynamics of the contest.

Explaining his withdrawal, Jandor said recent political developments influenced his position, especially the indication of presidential preference shortly after he obtained his nomination forms.

“Within hours after I purchased my nomination forms, there were developments, including a meeting involving the President and the Deputy Governor. It was subsequently made known that the President had endorsed Dr. Obafemi Hamzat,” he said.

He added that his earlier stance had been to align with the President’s direction, which informed his decision to step down from the race.

Jandor urged his supporters to remain committed to the party and respect ongoing internal processes, stressing unity and discipline within the APC.

He also described his withdrawal as consistent with party supremacy and confidence in the APC’s internal decision-making structure, while reaffirming loyalty to Bola Tinubu.

The former aspirant expressed appreciation to Lagos party leaders for their support and guidance during his brief campaign period.

Obafemi Hamzat had earlier picked up nomination forms for the governorship race, reportedly with backing from the Governance Advisory Council, the APC’s highest decision-making body in Lagos State.

Jandor, formally known as Olajide Adediran, had only recently entered the race before withdrawing within days of obtaining his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms under the All Progressives Congress.