Jandor Declares 2027 Governorship Ambition, Endorses Tinubu for Second Term

Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has officially declared his intention to contest again in the 2027 governorship election. Speaking in an interview with Vanguard on Thursday, Jandor reaffirmed his readiness to return to the race while dismissing speculations surrounding other likely contenders, including President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. His announcement signals a renewed determination to take another shot at the state’s top political seat after his 2023 attempt under the PDP, which ended unsuccessfully.

Jandor made it clear that his focus remains on Lagos and that he is not deterred by the possible entry of other prominent figures into the contest. According to him, Lagosians should expect a strong campaign once political activities for the 2027 elections gain momentum. He insisted that he had already proven his willingness to challenge entrenched political structures, recalling his bold campaign in 2023 when he broke away from his comfort zone to run against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “As for Lagos State, I am offering myself once again to serve. I’m indeed running for the Lagos governorship race in 2027,” he declared.

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Reflecting on his previous attempt, Jandor maintained that he had “taken Lagos by storm” during his last campaign, a feat he believes laid the foundation for future political victories. He added that the groundwork for 2027 would soon begin with deliberate efforts to build coalitions, mobilize supporters, and position himself as the credible alternative for Lagos voters. “When it was time for me to truly leave, I came all out, and we took Lagos by storm. Very soon, activities will begin to galvanize support from Mr. President and the party to ensure that whoever picks the APC governorship ticket in Lagos will have a strong run. Let me put this to rest: I am running in 2027,” Jandor affirmed.

Interestingly, Jandor also used the platform to throw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, stating that the President deserved another term in office. He praised Tinubu’s leadership style, describing it as both progressive and visionary, and argued that Nigeria needed continuity to consolidate the achievements recorded so far under the current administration. He expressed confidence that a second term would give the President more room to implement his reforms and deliver sustainable development for Nigerians.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven his capacity to lead this country with vision and courage. I call on Lagosians and Nigerians at large to ensure he gets a second term in 2027 so we can all continue to benefit from his progressive leadership,” he said. Jandor’s endorsement of Tinubu marks a notable shift in his political positioning. As a former PDP candidate who ran against Tinubu’s political structure in Lagos, his alignment with the President signals a willingness to work within broader national frameworks and perhaps an openness to align with the ruling party in the near future. Political observers believe this could reshape the dynamics of Lagos politics ahead of 2027.

His comments also come at a time when the political climate in Lagos is gradually heating up with speculations over who might contest in the next governorship election. The possibility of Seyi Tinubu entering the race has been a subject of debate in political circles, while the return of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode has also been widely discussed. However, Jandor dismissed these speculations, stressing that his focus is not on rivals but on presenting a compelling vision that resonates with Lagosians.

Jandor, who is known for his grassroots mobilization and strong media background, insists that Lagos deserves leadership that is responsive, inclusive, and people-oriented. His ambition, according to him, is rooted in the desire to offer a new style of governance that addresses the everyday struggles of Lagos residents, particularly in areas such as housing, transportation, infrastructure, and social welfare.

By declaring early, Jandor has effectively placed himself at the center of political discussions around Lagos 2027. His boldness to reaffirm his ambition four years ahead of the elections is seen as a strategic move to keep his name alive in political conversations and to build momentum gradually. Analysts suggest that his open endorsement of Tinubu may also be an attempt to soften resistance from the ruling APC, which controls the political structure in Lagos, while positioning himself as a credible option if the political winds shift.

As Lagos approaches another electoral cycle, Jandor’s declaration is likely to spark debates within political and social circles. His alignment with Tinubu, combined with his determination to run again, places him in a unique position as both an opposition figure and a supporter of the President. Whether this dual stance strengthens or weakens his chances remains to be seen, but it is clear that Jandor is set on carving a significant role for himself in the unfolding political narrative of Lagos State.

With his early declaration, Lagosians now await how other potential contenders will respond, and how the political landscape of the state will evolve in the buildup to 2027. For now, Jandor has made his intentions clear: he is back in the race and ready to challenge for the governorship seat once again, while also campaigning for President Tinubu’s second term at the federal level.