By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
One of the aspirants in the 2027 Lagos State governorship race, Dr. Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has formally withdrawn from the contest under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adediran announced his decision on Thursday while addressing the media, party leaders of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, and his supporters at Liberty House, Adeniyi Jones Secretariat in Ikeja.
His withdrawal comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu publicly endorsed the candidacy of the incumbent Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Explaining his decision, Adediran said recent developments within the party influenced his move.
“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.
“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.
Adediran urged his supporters to remain calm and respect the party’s internal processes, emphasizing the need for unity and discipline within the APC.
He noted that his decision reflects his commitment to party supremacy and confidence in the party’s internal democratic structure.
The aspirant also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and expressed appreciation to party leaders in Lagos State for their continued guidance.
It would be recalled that Adediran had only a day earlier purchased his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest the governorship election.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, had earlier obtained his nomination form, reportedly backed by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the APC in Lagos State, led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other party leaders.