By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, known as Jandor, says he remains in the 2027 Lagos governorship race in spite of endorsements for Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

Adediran, an APC governorship hopeful, said the party had not altered its stance on adopting direct primaries to select candidates.

He spoke in a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, on Monday evening in Lagos.

Adediran, Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, earlier declared his intention to succeed Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Sanwo-Olu, alongside cabinet members, publicly endorsed Hamzat as his preferred successor.

Several APC leaders, including Mr Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, and Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff, Presidency, also endorsed Hamzat.

Reacting, Adediran said he respected the endorsements but insisted party rules on primaries must be upheld.

“We reaffirm our respect for the constitutional and political right of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to endorse an aspirant of his choice.

“However, the party leadership is yet to formally communicate any change to its position that candidates for the 2027 general elections will be chosen through direct primaries.

“As it stands, expectations remain that a direct primary will determine the gubernatorial candidate,” he said.

Adediran said he remained firmly in the race and would continue engaging party members, stakeholders and grassroots supporters across Lagos State.

He said this would continue in anticipation of the direct primaries.

“We also wish to clarify that our position does not amount to opposition to respected party leaders backing Hamzat.

“We accord them due respect and recognise their right to express political preferences freely.

“This diversity of opinion is a hallmark of a healthy democratic system,” he said.

Adediran urged stakeholders to preserve unity and strengthen internal democracy.

“At this critical juncture, our collective responsibility is to preserve party unity, strengthen internal democracy and ensure our processes command the confidence of members and the electorate,” he added.

He said he would continue statewide mobilisation and engagement with party faithful, stakeholders and leaders.

Adediran said this would be done in a spirit of camaraderie, respect and shared commitment to party unity.

He added that this would continue pending any official directive from party leadership.

Adediran reaffirmed his commitment to progressive leadership, unity and dedicated service to the people of Lagos State. (NAN)