Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the 2027 Lagos State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He announced the decision on Thursday while addressing journalists, leaders of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and supporters at Liberty House, Adeniyi Jones Secretariat, Ikeja.
His withdrawal comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu publicly endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the race.
Jandor said recent developments within the party influenced his decision. “Within hours after I purchased my nomination forms, there were developments, including a meeting involving the President and the Deputy Governor,” he said.
“It was subsequently made known that the President had endorsed Dr Obafemi Hamzat. Based on my earlier position that I will align with the direction of the President, I have decided to withdraw from the race.”
He said he bought the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms after consultations and with a desire to serve the state.
According to him, leadership also requires making decisions that place 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 realities within our party, I have decided to withdraw from the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race,” he said.
Jandor said the decision should not be seen as weakness or lack of capacity, but as respect for party unity.
He reaffirmed his membership of the APC and pledged loyalty to President Tinubu. “I remain a loyal and committed member of the APC. I also reaffirm my loyalty and respect for the President and national leader of our party,” he said.
He urged members of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and his supporters to remain calm and committed to the party.
“This is a moment to consolidate, not to divide; to build, not to fracture,” he added.
Jandor contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before returning to the APC.
