A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Abdulazeez Adediran, has said there is no official endorsement for the 2027 Lagos governorship race, insisting that Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has yet to declare interest in the contest.
Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu has backed any aspirant to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is expected to complete his second term in office.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Adediran said speculation around Hamzat’s candidacy and alleged presidential backing remains unfounded.
“He hasn’t even told us himself that he is running,” he said, while acknowledging the deputy governor’s experience and qualifications.
He added that the party had not issued any directive suggesting a consensus candidate, noting that the APC is expected to conduct direct primaries.
“As we speak, the party says it’s going to be direct primaries. If tomorrow it says otherwise, we will align. The party is supreme,” he said.
On reports of endorsement from the presidency, Adediran insisted that aspirants would be formally notified if such a decision had been taken.
“The President hasn’t endorsed anyone. Those of us contesting would be the first to know,” he said.
He further disclosed that he had met with Tinubu, who neither discouraged his ambition nor gave any assurance of support for the party ticket.
Defending his early declaration, Adediran said it reflects confidence in his aspiration, adding that political ambition requires self-belief.
As political activities ahead of 2027 gather momentum, several prominent figures have been linked with the Lagos governorship race, including Hamzat, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, presidential aide Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of Education Tunji Alausa.
Adediran, who was the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, maintained that the political landscape in Lagos is shifting, even as opposition parties continue to reposition ahead of the next election cycle.