2027: ‘I still embody Obidient values’ — Rhodes-Vivour
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Affirms Connection to Obidient Movement Amid Political Shifts
By Adegboyega Adeleye
LAGOS — Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for Lagos State, reiterated his connection to the values of the Obidient movement, despite the recent departure of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour, who contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election under the Labour Party banner, described his ongoing cordial relationship with Obi, emphasizing his own political evolution since their collaboration during the previous campaign.
“His Excellency Peter Obi is a fantastic politician, and I have a fantastic relationship with him. I do not have anything against him,” Rhodes-Vivour stated.
He asserted that the values which characterized the Obidient movement—empathy, capacity, intelligence, and a vision for a better Nigeria—remain central to his political identity. “I still embody all these values, and in fact, I have built more capacity as a politician,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour expressed confidence that supporters of the Obidient movement would continue to see him as a trustworthy candidate for the upcoming election, regardless of Obi’s new political alignment. “I will push for a Lagos-first agenda, beyond party lines. I have built from the goodwill Lagosians and Nigerians showed me,” he noted.
While noting his preference for broader political collaboration among opposition forces ahead of the election, he remarked, “Ideally, I would have loved a coalition.”
He emphasized that his campaign would focus on the pressing issues affecting Lagos residents, rather than what he described as distractions from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “The APC strategically and consistently makes us major on the minor, and we don’t deal with the real issues that are affecting Lagosians,” he said.
Housing and accommodation emerged as key concerns for Rhodes-Vivour, who stated that these challenges impact all social classes in Lagos. “Our rent situation and accommodation issues are really bad. These are the real issues Lagosians are grappling with,” he asserted.
Addressing concerns about his capacity to communicate effectively in Yoruba, he maintained that the essence of his message transcends language. “What is most important is the understanding of the issues,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour also defended his selection of Gbadamosi as his running mate, describing him as brilliant, consistent, and capable of contributing positively to his campaign. “He has fantastic experience running an estate,” he said.
In comparing his public-service experience with that of his rivals, including Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Rhodes-Vivour questioned the effectiveness of their experience in providing tangible solutions to the issues facing residents. “The person who has experience said traffic is a lifestyle,” he noted.
Rhodes-Vivour’s engagement with the public continues to focus on real issues as he positions himself for the upcoming election, reinforcing his commitment to the values he believes are critical for a thriving Lagos.
