The build-up to the 2027 Lagos State governorship election has continued to reshape political calculations within the All Progressives Congress (APC), as consultations, endorsements, and internal alignments intensify among key stakeholders in the state.
In recent weeks, party leaders have moved to consolidate support around a preferred direction for the race, following high-level engagements involving national and state actors within the ruling party.
Against this backdrop, one of the leading aspirants in the contest, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly called Jandor, has formally stepped aside, citing the need to preserve unity, respect party decisions, and align with the broader consensus emerging within the APC leadership structure.
Below is the his statement:
30th April 2026.
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and clarity of purpose regarding the future of our party and our dear state, Lagos.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you.
God bless the Lagos4Lagos Movement.
God bless the All Progressives Congress.
And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran JANDOR.
