A significant twist has emerged in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, as politician Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has announced his withdrawal from the race.
Jandor confirmed that he has stepped down from contesting under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), just days after publicly declaring his intention to seek the party’s governorship ticket. His sudden exit has sparked widespread reactions within political circles, given the expectations that his entry into the race would intensify competition within the ruling party.
The development follows the reported endorsement of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred consensus candidate by the influential Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). The council, widely regarded as a powerful decision-making body within Lagos APC politics, is said to have presented Hamzat to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers note that the backing of the GAC, coupled with the reported presentation to the president, signals a strategic move to consolidate support around a single candidate, potentially reducing internal contestation within the party.
Jandor’s withdrawal comes as a surprise to many, particularly because of his recent political moves. Having contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he only recently defected to the APC. His defection was widely interpreted as a calculated step to reposition himself within the state’s dominant political structure.
Just last week, he formally declared his intention to run for governor under the APC, a move that was expected to set the stage for a highly competitive primary election. His ambition was seen as part of a broader effort to challenge established interests within the party and appeal to a wider base of voters.
However, his decision to step aside so soon after declaring his candidacy has raised questions about the internal dynamics within the APC and the influence of party leadership structures in shaping electoral outcomes.
Although Jandor did not provide detailed reasons for his withdrawal at the time of filing this report, analysts believe the emergence of a consensus candidate may have played a decisive role. In Nigerian politics, consensus arrangements are often used to maintain unity within parties and avoid divisive primaries, particularly in states where internal cohesion is considered critical to electoral success.
The endorsement of Hamzat is also seen as significant given his longstanding role in Lagos State governance and his close ties to key political stakeholders. As deputy governor, he has been part of the state’s leadership structure and is viewed by many within the party as a continuity candidate.
The involvement of the GAC in the process further underscores the weight of the decision. The council, composed of influential party leaders and elders, has historically played a pivotal role in determining the direction of the APC in Lagos State. Its support is often seen as a strong indicator of a candidate’s chances within the party.
Jandor’s political journey in recent years has been marked by notable shifts. His 2023 governorship bid under the PDP positioned him as a major opposition figure in Lagos politics, and his subsequent defection to the APC signaled a realignment that many believed would reshape the political equation ahead of 2027.
His brief entry and quick exit from the APC governorship race now add another layer of complexity to his political trajectory. While his next steps remain unclear, speculation is rife about whether he will take on a different role within the party or reposition himself for future opportunities.
For now, the focus appears to have shifted to Hamzat, whose emergence as a consensus candidate could streamline the APC’s preparations for the 2027 election. If the consensus holds, it may reduce the likelihood of internal disputes and strengthen the party’s chances in what is expected to be a keenly contested election.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement detailing Jandor’s future political plans. Party officials have also remained largely silent on the broader implications of the development, leaving room for further speculation.
With the 2027 elections still some distance away, political alignments and strategies are likely to continue evolving. However, Jandor’s withdrawal marks an early and notable turning point in the race, highlighting the complex interplay of ambition, influence, and consensus in Lagos State politics.
