The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, says he is confident of contesting the 2027 governorship election without relying on the political influence of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi or the Obidient movement.
Speaking on his preparations for the next election, Rhodes-Vivour said his political strength has grown significantly since the 2023 polls, stressing that his focus has been on building grassroots structures and maintaining close engagement with communities across Lagos.
According to him, the Rhodes-Vivour of today is different from the candidate who contested in 2023, noting that years of community outreach and political organisation have strengthened his support base.
He said his team has continued to work with residents at the grassroots level, particularly in communities affected by government demolitions, where they have offered support and presented alternative ideas for a more people-centred Lagos.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he acknowledged the significant role played by Peter Obi and the Obidient movement in the Labour Party’s performance, describing Obi as a “fantastic candidate.” However, he stressed that Lagos politics requires a different strategy built on a broad coalition that cuts across generations, ethnic groups, and diverse interests.
Both Rhodes-Vivour and Obi contested the 2023 elections under the Labour Party, with the Obidient movement playing a major role in the party’s strong showing in both the presidential and Lagos governorship races.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the two politicians moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with plans to work together. However, internal legal disputes within the party led Obi to leave the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Rhodes-Vivour opted to remain and continue building his political base within the party.
Despite their different political paths, Rhodes-Vivour insisted there is no rift between him and Obi, expressing confidence that his grassroots mobilisation and broad-based coalition will position him strongly for the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
