Lagos 2027: Jandor Denies Tinubu Backing Hamzat, Says APC Race Open

Lagos 2027: Jandor Denies Tinubu Backing Hamzat, Says APC Race Open

Former Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jandor, now an APC governorship aspirant, insisted that there has been no official endorsement from the President and no formal declaration of interest from Hamzat regarding the race.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Jandor said the growing narrative that the Lagos governorship race has already been decided in favour of Hamzat is incorrect and misleading.

He stressed that all aspirants are still positioning themselves ahead of the APC primary process, which will determine the party’s eventual candidate.

Jandor also clarified that if there had been any endorsement from President Tinubu, it would have been formally communicated to all aspirants within the party structure.

According to him, no such communication has been made, and the contest remains open.

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He further noted that Deputy Governor Hamzat has not publicly declared interest in the governorship race, describing him as a qualified administrator with extensive experience in governance.

Jandor said discussions within the APC currently point toward the adoption of direct primaries, which would allow party members to vote directly for their preferred candidate.

He emphasized his readiness to abide by whatever process the party eventually adopts, stating that party supremacy remains central to internal politics.

The APC aspirant also revealed that he had met President Tinubu personally, noting that the President neither discouraged his ambition nor promised him any political advantage.

He said the encounter reinforced his confidence to remain in the race for the Lagos governorship seat in 2027.

Jandor further defended his early declaration of interest, saying it reflects self-belief and political determination. He drew comparisons with Tinubu’s own political journey, noting that ambition must be openly declared.

Political activities in Lagos are already intensifying ahead of 2027, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu prepares to complete his second term, opening up the race for new contenders.

Other figures reportedly being considered in the APC succession debate include former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, presidential aide Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Minister of Education Tunji Alausa.

Analysts say the Lagos 2027 governorship election is shaping up to be highly competitive within the APC, with early positioning and internal negotiations expected to continue in the coming months.

For now, Jandor maintains that no endorsement has been made and that the final decision will rest on the outcome of the party’s primary election.

Lagos 2027: Jandor Denies Tinubu Backing Hamzat, Says APC Race Open