Former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Lagos, Olajide Adediran, popularly called Jandor, have aligned with the All Progressives Congress leadership structure backing Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
Ambode, in a statement on Thursday, congratulated Hamzat on his adoption, describing it as a product of long-standing party loyalty and dedication.
He said, “Your adoption as our party’s consensus candidate is a reflection of your loyalty, hard work and dedication to the party for over two decades.”
He also pledged support for Tinubu’s re-election, stressing that the President’s continued leadership remained central to the country’s progress.
“I strongly believe that the greater prosperity of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is firmly tied to the continued governance of Mr President,” Ambode said.
He added that the APC must remain united and focused to secure electoral victories across all levels in 2027.
Similarly, Adediran announced his withdrawal from the 2027 Lagos governorship race, saying the decision followed consultations and recognition of the political direction within the party.
“Leadership also demands the capacity to make difficult but necessary decisions that prioritise collective interest above personal ambition,” he said.
Adediran said he was aligning fully with the party’s leadership structure, describing his decision as an act of discipline rather than weakness.
“This decision is not borne out of weakness or a lack of capacity, but out of strength, discipline, and a deep respect for party cohesion and unity,” he stated.
He reaffirmed loyalty to Tinubu, adding: “I also reaffirm my unalloyed loyalty and respect for the President and national leader of our party, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu.”
He urged his supporters under the Lagos4Lagos Movement to support the party’s direction, stressing that “this is a moment to consolidate, not to divide.”
Hamzat’s emergence as the consensus candidate has gained momentum in recent days, following endorsements from key party stakeholders, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Lagos APC Governance Advisory Council subsequently adopted him, describing the move as a collective decision of the party’s leadership structure.
GAC chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, said the decision reflected internal agreement, though he maintained that due process would still be followed.
“Your deliberate and purposeful consultations with the party hierarchy… have demonstrated you are a true party man committed to the party’s ideals and values of unity and progress,” Olusi said of Hamzat.
The 34-member council also resolved to purchase Hamzat’s ₦50m nomination form.
A delegation later presented the decision to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the move was reportedly endorsed.
Speaking after the meeting, Hamzat described the assignment ahead as demanding but said he was prepared.
“Nobody is ready because the assignment is audacious. But what you have is experience,” he said, adding, “I know the room. I know where the kitchen is.”
Despite the consensus arrangement, the GAC insisted that governorship primaries will still be conducted in line with party guidelines.
Credit: punchng.com
