Lagos 2027: Rhodes-Vivour explains how he’ll contest without Obi’s influence
Lagos State ADC Gubernatorial Candidate Outlines Campaign Strategy for 2027 Election
LAGOS — Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, stated on Thursday that his bid for the 2027 election will not rely on the political influence of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi or the Obidient movement. He emphasized that years of grassroots mobilization have adequately prepared him for the upcoming contest.
In an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Rhodes-Vivour addressed questions regarding his campaign’s direction following Obi’s recent departure from the ADC to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress amid internal party disputes.
When asked how he plans to navigate the election without Obi’s leadership, Rhodes-Vivour responded, “By doing the work.”
He asserted that his political profile and grassroots network have grown significantly since the 2023 gubernatorial election. “Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of 2023 is not Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of 2026. We have been building structures in communities and have entrenched ourselves. We are standing for the people,” he noted.
Rhodes-Vivour’s engagement with residents affected by demolitions throughout Lagos, he said, has strengthened his ties with various communities and has shaped his vision for the state.
Reflecting on the previous election cycle, he commented, “We had a fantastic run in 2023. His Excellency Peter Obi is a fantastic candidate, and there are no issues between us. However, I believe Lagos has a unique political landscape that requires a broad-based coalition across generations, tribes, and diverse experiences, which we achieved.”
He reiterated his commitment to the ADC, citing the party’s success in forming a robust opposition coalition in Lagos as critical to challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “We realized that having multiple opposition parties could hinder efforts to unseat the current government. We have successfully built something I am proud of in Lagos State,” he said.
As he prepares for the 2027 election, Rhodes-Vivour expressed confidence in his strategy, which he described as rooted in careful planning rather than emotion. “I am very sure that we will have a good performance in this election, and by God’s grace, we will win,” he added.
He also refuted claims that his popularity is limited to social media, asserting that he has developed a strong grassroots presence across Lagos communities.