The prospect of a consensus governorship candidate in the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dimmed yesterday as an aspirant, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (a.k.a. Jandor), said President Bola Tinubu and the party leadership have not endorsed any contender ahead of 2027.

In Ondo State, tension is mounting within the party as aspirants eyeing the Ondo South Senate seat intensified mobilisation against an alleged move to zone the ticket to the Ilaje/Ese-Odo axis.

Speaking on Channels Television yesterday, the Lagos4Lagos Movement leader dismissed claims that Deputy Governor, Kadri Hamzat, had secured presidential backing, noting that while Hamzat was consulting, other aspirants were equally engaging stakeholders.

“There is no consensus candidate. The President has not endorsed anyone, and the party has not communicated any such decision,” he said, adding that Lagos APC was tilting towards a direct primary.

Jandor also waved off suggestions that support from influential blocs like the Justice Forum or remarks attributed to party elder, Tajudeen Olusi, had settled the race, insisting that any endorsement would be communicated to all aspirants.

Besides Hamzat and Jandor, other names being mentioned in APC circles include the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; and Muri Okunola.

He maintained that he would abide by party supremacy if the mode of selection changed. “If the party adopts consensus, we will respect it. But as of today, nobody has been endorsed,” he said.

THE tension in Ondo APC comes amid 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

Those jostling for the position include Morayo Lebi from Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency; former two-term House of Representatives member, Mayo Akinfolarin; Matthew Oyerinmade and Boye Oyewunmi, all from 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 Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, the same axis as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Findings revealed that aggrieved aspirants and their supporters had, 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 the planned action was meant to send a warning to the leadership against what they described as an attempt to impose zoning.