2027: Obidient movement still with me – Rhodes-Vivour
Lagos ADC Governorship Candidate Expresses Continued Support from Obidient Movement
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for Lagos State, affirmed that he still retains the backing of the Obidient movement, despite contesting the 2027 gubernatorial election on a different political platform from former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
In an interview on the talk show BlackBox with host Rufai Oseni, Rhodes-Vivour addressed whether the momentum generated by Obi during the last election would resonate with him in this upcoming race. He emphasized that the core values that drew members to the Obidient movement continue to align with his political principles.
“The qualities that the movement embraced are still characteristics that I embody. I have consistently stood alongside them,” Rhodes-Vivour stated.
He elaborated that his connection with members of the movement has persisted beyond the 2023 elections. Rhodes-Vivour highlighted the importance of maintaining personal relationships with supporters, noting ongoing involvement in their activities, including financial assistance for medical bills following the election.
“Even after the election, we have built personal relationships across the board,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour expressed confidence that his steadfast commitment to the movement’s values would allow him to remain a trusted figure among its members, despite any political differences between him and Obi.
“So long as I continue to embody those qualities and demonstrate consistency, I believe I maintain their trust,” he remarked.
In the 2023 elections, Rhodes-Vivour represented the Labour Party for the Lagos governorship, while Obi was a presidential candidate on the same platform. Obi won Lagos in the presidential election, while Rhodes-Vivour secured the second position in the gubernatorial race, trailing incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Obi has since transitioned to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where Funso Doherty is now the party’s governorship candidate. Meanwhile, Rhodes-Vivour aims to secure the Lagos governorship ticket under the ADC banner, which has former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
Rhodes-Vivour noted that he has no conflicts with Obi and reinforced his support for Atiku as his choice for the presidential election in 2027.
