One of the early contenders in the 2027 Lagos State governorship race, Dr. Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the contest under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that is already reshaping the political landscape in the state.
Dr. Adediran made his decision public on Thursday while addressing journalists, leaders of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, and his supporters at Liberty House, Adeniyi Jones Secretariat in Ikeja. His announcement came barely 24 hours after he purchased his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, signaling what many observers now describe as a sudden but calculated exit from the race.
His withdrawal follows the endorsement of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a development widely seen as a major factor in the unfolding political dynamics within the APC in Lagos.
Explaining his decision, Adediran said he chose to step aside in line with the direction of the party leadership and the President’s position. According to him, events that took place shortly after he picked up his nomination forms made it clear that the party had settled on a preferred candidate.
“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.
“Based on my earlier position that I will align with the direction of the President, I have decided to withdraw from the race,” he added.
Adediran also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and loyal to the party, stressing the importance of unity and discipline within the APC. He said his decision was guided by his belief in party supremacy and his commitment to maintaining stability within the political structure in Lagos State.
Dr. Adediran, a known grassroots mobiliser and leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, has been active in Lagos politics for several years. His political journey has seen him move across party lines, but his influence, especially among younger party members and grassroots supporters, has remained significant.
His Lagos4Lagos Movement was formed with the aim of promoting internal democracy within the APC and giving more opportunities to new voices in the party. The group has been active in mobilising support and pushing for reforms in the party’s structure in Lagos.
Despite stepping down from the race, Adediran reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and expressed appreciation to party leaders in Lagos for their guidance and support over the years. He also indicated that he would continue to play an active role in the party’s activities.
The endorsement of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat by President Tinubu is seen as a strong signal of the direction of the APC in Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections. In Nigerian politics, endorsements by party leaders, especially those with strong influence like Tinubu, often shape the outcome of party primaries.
Hamzat, who currently serves as Deputy Governor under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is widely regarded as an experienced technocrat and loyal party member. He has held several key positions in Lagos State government over the years and is seen by many within the party as a steady and reliable figure.
Sources within the party also indicate that Hamzat’s aspiration enjoys the backing of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos State. The council is led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi and includes top party leaders who play a key role in shaping decisions within the party.
The support of the GAC, along with the President’s endorsement, places Hamzat in a strong position ahead of the party’s primaries. Analysts say this combination of support could discourage other aspirants or lead to more withdrawals in the coming weeks.
Lagos State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically important states, often setting the tone for national politics. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, the state has been governed by the same political family, with strong influence from President Tinubu, who is widely regarded as a key figure in the state’s political structure.
The 2027 governorship election is expected to attract significant attention, not only because of Lagos’ importance but also because it will mark another transition in leadership after the tenure of Governor Sanwo-Olu.
There are also expectations that opposition parties will closely monitor developments within the APC, as any internal crisis could provide an opportunity to challenge the ruling party in the state.
For now, Adediran’s withdrawal appears to have reduced the level of competition within the APC, at least in the early stage of the race. However, the political atmosphere remains fluid, and more developments are expected as the election season approaches.
As Lagos moves gradually toward the 2027 elections, attention will remain on how the APC manages its internal processes and whether other aspirants will step forward or follow Adediran’s example.
For many residents of the state, the focus will not only be on who emerges as the next governor but also on the policies and leadership style that will shape the future of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.