Leading Lagos Governorship Candidate Withdraws from Race
Abdul Aziz Adiran, widely recognized as Jandole, has officially withdrawn from the Lagos State governorship election following President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Announcement Made at Press Conference
Adiran, a prominent figure in the Lagos4Lagos movement, revealed his decision during a press briefing held on Thursday. He stated that the group’s primary objective has always been to contest in the 2027 Lagos State governorship election and expressed a commitment to support any candidate ultimately chosen by the party.
Commitment to Party Unity
In his announcement, Adiran emphasized, “From day one, we have made it clear that we have a single desire to contest the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.” He affirmed his dedication to adhering to the party’s decisions, declaring his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race while underscoring their willingness to rally around the chosen candidate.
Support for Hamzat Confirmed
The decision to withdraw came after discussions with the Governance Advisory Committee (GAC), the president, and the lieutenant governor, who publicly endorsed Hamzat as the preferred candidate. Adiran expressed his intention to remain a loyal member of the APC, vowing to work diligently for the party’s success in the upcoming general election and supporting Mr. Tinubu’s re-election efforts.
Call for Unity Among Supporters
Adiran, who previously ran as the 2023 PDP governorship candidate, urged his supporters to maintain their resolve and unity in backing the APC. He reflected on his reintegration into the party in March 2025, noting the warm reception he received from Bola Tinubu, who facilitated the merger of their group into the APC.
Achievements Highlighted
He recounted how the group demonstrated its commitment during the June-July 2025 local government elections, actively supporting APC candidates and mobilizing resources, even without fielding candidates for local offices. “We mobilized on a large scale, provided election materials, and appointed street captains to go door-to-door,” Adiran remarked, highlighting their significant efforts that earned recognition from the Lagos APC leadership.
Message of Gratitude to Supporters
Reiterating his intention to run for governor in 2027, Adiran expressed gratitude to supporters who financially contributed to his nomination process, framing his campaign as a collective vision rather than a personal aspiration. “Do not be sad. This is not a personal ambition, but a common vision. We deeply appreciate every contribution, no matter how small,” he stated. Adiran also thanked party members and the media for their ongoing support throughout this journey.
