Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State.
Jandor, now an aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said there has been no official endorsement from the president nor any formal declaration of interest by Hamzat.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he pushed back against growing speculation that the race had already been decided in Hamzat’s favour.
“He hasn’t even said to us himself that he is running,” Jandor said, while acknowledging Hamzat’s experience and qualifications as deputy governor.
On the issue of endorsement, he maintained that party aspirants would be duly informed if such a decision had been taken.
“No, the President hasn’t endorsed anyone. I am an aspirant, and we are a few people also gunning for this. We will be the first to know because communication will come,” he said.
Jandor added that the APC has not indicated any move toward a consensus candidate, noting that the party is currently leaning toward direct primaries.
“As we speak, the party says it’s going to be direct primaries. If tomorrow it says otherwise, we will fall in line. The party is supreme,” he stated.
He further revealed that he had met with President Tinubu, who neither discouraged his ambition nor promised him the party’s ticket, a meeting he said strengthened his resolve to remain in the race.
Defending his early declaration, Jandor said it reflects self-belief, drawing parallels with Tinubu’s own political journey.
He also commented on the opposition landscape in Lagos, arguing that political consolidation under the APC has weakened rival parties.
However, he pledged loyalty to the party’s eventual decision, stating he would support whoever emerges as the APC candidate if he is not selected.
The 2027 Lagos governorship race is gaining momentum as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu completes his final term. Other names speculated to be interested include Akinwunmi Ambode, Tokunbo Abiru, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Tunji Alausa.
