Lagos 2027: Jandor Insists No Consensus Candidate Yet in APC Governorship Contest
The possibility of a consensus governorship candidate emerging within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections appears increasingly unlikely, according to prominent aspirant Abdul-Azeez Adediran, widely known as Jandor. In a recent television interview, Jandor firmly stated that neither President Bola Tinubu nor the national party leadership has endorsed any contender at this stage, directly contradicting circulating rumors.
Jandor Dismisses Claims of Presidential Endorsement for Hamzat
Speaking on Channels Television, Jandor, who leads the Lagos4Lagos Movement, specifically addressed claims that Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat had secured presidential backing. He clarified that while Hamzat is actively consulting with stakeholders, other aspirants, including himself, are equally engaged in similar outreach efforts. "There is no consensus candidate. The President has not endorsed anyone, and the party has not communicated any such decision," Jandor emphasized, adding that the Lagos APC is currently leaning towards conducting a direct primary election to select its flagbearer.
Rejection of Influential Bloc Support as Decisive Factor
Jandor also waved off suggestions that support from influential political blocs within the party, such as the Justice Forum, or remarks attributed to party elder Tajudeen Olusi had effectively settled the race. He insisted that any legitimate endorsement would be formally communicated to all aspirants, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process. Besides Hamzat and Jandor, other notable names being mentioned in APC circles for the Lagos governorship ticket include Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and Muri Okunola.
Commitment to Party Supremacy Amid Selection Uncertainty
Despite the current preference for a direct primary, Jandor maintained his commitment to party supremacy, stating he would abide by any change in the mode of selection. "If the party adopts consensus, we will respect it. But as of today, nobody has been endorsed," he reiterated, highlighting the fluid nature of the pre-election dynamics within the Lagos APC.
Parallel Tensions in Ondo State APC Over Senate Seat Zoning
Meanwhile, in Ondo State, significant tension is mounting within the APC as aspirants eyeing the Ondo South Senate seat intensify mobilization efforts against an alleged move to zone the ticket to the Ilaje/Ese-Odo axis. This development comes amid political permutations to replace Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who represents the district but is set to vacate the seat following his appointment as Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Key Contenders and Planned Protest in Ondo APC
Those jostling for the Ondo South Senate position include Morayo Lebi from the Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency; former two-term House of Representatives member Mayo Akinfolarin; Matthew Oyerinmade; and Boye Oyewunmi, all from the Odigbo/Ileoluji/Okeigbo Federal Constituency. Also in the race are former deputy governor and 2024 PDP governorship candidate Agboola Ajayi, and APC National Vice Chairman (South-West) Isaac Kekemeke, both from the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, the same axis as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Findings reveal that aggrieved aspirants and their supporters have, ahead of a crucial stakeholders' meeting in Ore, Odigbo Local Council, concluded plans to stage a walkout on Governor Aiyedatiwa should the issue of zoning be introduced. A party source disclosed that this planned action is intended to send a strong warning to the leadership against what they describe as an attempt to impose zoning, reflecting deep-seated divisions within the state chapter.
