Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 elections, has dismissed the idea of aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s political structure in order to achieve his ambition of governing the state.
Speaking as a guest on Sunday Politics, Rhodes-Vivour made it clear that such an alliance would hold no value for him.
“No, I will not,” he said when asked if he would consider working with Tinubu’s style of politics. “I would rather focus on my business, my work, and my family. That would be a complete waste of time. The reason we are in politics is to improve the lives of Lagosians and return the state to its former glory — a greatness many may not even remember today. Any party that prevents me from using Lagos’ resources for the benefit of its people is simply a waste of time.”
Away from politics, Rhodes-Vivour also accused the Nigerian Police of working hand in hand with members of the All Progressives Congress to enforce what he described as a “one-party state.” He made the claims during a live interview on September 7, 2025.
But the Lagos State Police Command swiftly rejected his accusations, describing them as “unfounded and mischievous.” In a statement issued by Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bababeyi Oluseyi, the Command stressed that the Force remains neutral and apolitical, with its focus solely on maintaining peace and order across the state.
According to the statement, the APC in Alimosho Constituency had properly notified the police of its sensitisation program on Continuous Voter Registration, which held at Lion Field, Iyana-Ipaja, on September 6. Officers were deployed to secure the gathering, which was conducted peacefully.
The Command also explained that no formal notification or request for police protection was received from Rhodes-Vivour regarding any rally in the area on that same day. It further revealed that tensions flared at the Christ Gospel Mission International Campground, where worshippers reported that a political rally was forcefully staged during a prayer event. The Commissioner of Police was said to have personally led officers to the venue to restore calm, describing the intrusion as “sacrilegious” and potentially dangerous.
Responding to claims by Rhodes-Vivour that a Deputy Commissioner acted as a gateman and that vehicles were vandalised, the police stated that such allegations were false and unsubstantiated, adding that no official complaint had been lodged at any police station across the state regarding damage or injuries.
“The Lagos State Police Command will continue to uphold neutrality, remain apolitical, and enforce law and order without fear or favour,” the statement concluded.
