LAGOS — Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has confirmed that his decision to move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections was taken with the full backing of Peter Obi.
Rhodes-Vivour, who disclosed this during a live appearance on Sunday Politics, said Obi was not only aware of his move but had also sent a representative to attend his official declaration on Saturday.
“Yes, certainly. A representative of his was at the declaration. Peter Obi and I are in constant communication, and we are aligned. Every step I take, he is fully aware of it. We have all agreed that the only way the opposition can stand a chance in the coming elections is through a coalition. No matter where anyone may be right now, the focus is on building that coalition,” he stated.
When asked if he believed he could dismantle the political structure built by President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour was firm in his response.
“I don’t believe Lagos belongs to one man. That’s why our movement is called Our Lagos. Lagos is a collective responsibility, a city for all of us. The notion that one man can hold the state’s resources and dictate its political direction for more than two decades is something I strongly reject,” he said.
He pointed out the state of neglect in several parts of Lagos, using Alimosho Local Government as an example.
“The inner roads in Alimosho are in terrible shape, yet instead of fixing them, local government chairmen move around with policemen to stop the opposition from holding meetings in places like Lion Field. If they truly provided good governance, they wouldn’t be afraid of the opposition or resort to intimidation and violence. Resorting to violence shows failure in leadership,” he added.
Rhodes-Vivour maintained that his campaign is not about personal ambition but about giving Lagosians and Nigerians a better alternative.
