By Adeyemi Adeleye
Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, says he will abide by President Bola Tinubu’s decision on the 2027 Lagos governorship race.
Adediran, Lead Visioner of Lagos4Lagos Movement, spoke on Wednesday at a meeting endorsing Tinubu’s re-election and himself as preferred APC governorship candidate.
He urged loyalists to align with party leadership, stressing that APC candidates would emerge through direct primaries.
Recalling his return from PDP before the 2023 election, Adediran said he remained loyal to any directive from the President.
“He invited me through his Chief of Staff. If he says I will be governor, I will accept.
“We belong to Jagaban because he brought me back. Whatever he says is what we will do.
“What is clear is that we will have a direct primary, as stated by the Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi,” he said.
Adediran urged supporters to remain hopeful in spite of speculation about an ‘anointed’ candidate, noting that all APC aspirants were qualified.
He said: “We pray God guides our leader to decide what is best for Lagos at this time.
“What we need are votes across Lagos, the South-West and the South. Whoever can deliver these should emerge as flagbearer.”
He stressed the role of youths, saying they possess the energy to mobilise voters across the state.
“It is not child’s play. What we seek in 2027 is a seamless victory,” he added.
Adediran urged members to work tirelessly for Tinubu’s re-election, warning against complacency.
“We cannot joke with 2027. We must work selflessly and put our best foot forward when choosing candidates,” he said.
He emphasised grassroots consultation, noting that candidate selection rests with party members.
“Consultations must begin from units, wards and zones. Engage members daily and promote Jandor as preferred candidate,” he said.
Alhaji Hakeem Amode, an APC chieftain, said Tinubu deserved re-election due to economic reforms and fiscal improvements.
“Before Tinubu, about 27 states borrowed to pay salaries. Today, states receive more from the federation account.
“Our debt-to-revenue ratio has dropped below 60 per cent from 97 per cent. Student loans are now available.
“There are over 440 road projects and efforts towards local government autonomy. We must work relentlessly for his re-election,” he said.
Amode said regional development commissions and plans for state police would further strengthen governance and security.
Chief Ola Apena, another APC chieftain, described Adediran as a bridge between young and older voters.
“Young people are agitating. This is the time to involve them by presenting one of them.
“Jandor connects with youths, who form about 70 per cent of voters, and has strong grassroots support across 377 wards,” he said.
Apena noted that Adediran hails from Lagos West and Badagry Division, which has not produced a governor.
“Badagry has significant population and deserves representation,” he added.
He said Adediran’s previous campaign built name recognition and positioned him as a fresh option among youths.
“He understands Lagos and offers youthful strength and competence,” Apena said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders endorsed Tinubu’s re-election and Adediran’s governorship ambition at the meeting. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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