Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has claimed that he would have defeated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the Lagos State gubernatorial election if not for the "Obi effect" that divided opposition votes.
Jandor, who contested under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), believes the wave of support for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, weakened his chances.
According to him, many Lagosians who traditionally voted for PDP shifted their support to Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party, splitting the opposition votes and allowing Sanwo-Olu to secure re-election.
Political analysts acknowledge that Obi’s rising influence in Lagos played a key role in reshaping voter preferences. However, some argue that PDP’s internal crisis also contributed to Jandor’s underperformance. Jandor has expressed his commitment to staying active in Lagos politics, hinting at another attempt in 2027.