The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Abdulazeez Adediran, has stated that Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has not declared his intention to run in the 2027 governorship election.

Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not endorsed any candidate to represent the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming poll. He made this known during Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

Responding to questions about whether Hamzat had secured presidential backing, he said Hamzat had not personally confirmed any ambition to run. He acknowledged Hamzat’s qualifications, noting his over 20 years of experience in governance.

Jandor, now an aspirant on the APC platform, explained that the party has not issued any directive suggesting a consensus candidate, adding that the process is expected to follow direct primaries. He emphasized that members would align with whatever decision the party eventually adopts, describing the party as supreme.

Dismissing speculation about presidential endorsement, he maintained that no such decision has been communicated. According to him, aspirants would be the first to know if any endorsement had taken place.

He further revealed that he had met with President Tinubu, who neither discouraged his ambition nor assured him of the party’s ticket. Defending his early declaration of interest, Jandor said it reflects confidence in his aspiration.

He also claimed that Lagos politics is becoming increasingly consolidated, asserting that opposition presence in the state is weakening. Nonetheless, he affirmed that he would support the party if he does not secure the ticket.

With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu serving his final term, the race for the 2027 Lagos governorship is gaining momentum within the APC.

Names being speculated for the position include Hamzat, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Tokunbo Abiru, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Tunji Alausa.

In the 2023 governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Sanwo-Olu winner ahead of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Jandor. Jandor had contested alongside actress Funke Akindele as his running mate, with the PDP finishing third.

President Tinubu remains a key figure in Lagos politics, with the Governorship Advisory Council (GAC) expected to play a role in determining the APC’s eventual candidate, as political alignments continue to evolve.