Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Abdulazeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has formally declared his intention to contest the Lagos governorship seat in 2027.
Speaking on a Channels Television political programme, Politics Today, Jandor, who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in March, confirmed that he will once again vie for the number one seat in the state.
Jandor, who polled 62,449 votes in the 2023 elections to finish third behind Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC and Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, explained that he was better prepared for the next contest having learnt key lessons from his first major outing.
He also pledged loyalty to the APC leadership, stating that he would support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, including Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, should he join the race.
“All the names you mentioned, Seyi, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, are qualified to contest for Lagos governor, including Seyi himself,” Jandor said.
“However, apart from the former governor, none of the others have gone through the rigours of a governorship election like I have. I contested without the backing of any godfather and understand the complexities of Lagos politics. That experience sets me apart.”
Jandor maintained that while he has officially declared for the 2027 race, party unity remains paramount.
He stressed that once the APC decides on its candidate, all aspirants will work together in line with the party’s directive.
On speculations surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s interest in the governorship race, Jandor said the president’s son is constitutionally qualified to contest but has not yet made any public declaration.
Turning to the 2027 presidential elections, Jandor expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure an emphatic victory, describing the contest as a “walkover.”
“2027, not only in Lagos but across the country, will be a walkover for the man whose courage and leadership have contributed so much to Nigeria today,” he said.
He argued that political dynamics had shifted since 2023, insisting that the setbacks suffered by President Tinubu in Lagos during the last election, when Peter Obi of the Labour Party pulled a surprise win in the state, would not be repeated.
Jandor explained that his “Lagos for Lagos” movement, which operated outside the APC structure during the last election, is now firmly within the ruling party, and would work to consolidate Tinubu’s support base across the state.
“As there is no vacancy at Aso Rock until 2031, my focus is clear, I am running again for Lagos governor in 2027,” he added, stressing that mobilisation and grassroots engagement had already begun.
The declaration by Jandor comes amid growing speculation about the future political direction of Lagos, with several names, including Seyi Tinubu, former governor Ambode, and Senator Abiru, being touted as possible contenders in 2027.