Lagos 2027: Rhodes-Vivour questions Hamzat’s eligibility over US allegiance
LAGOS – Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, has raised concerns regarding the eligibility of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat to participate in the 2027 gubernatorial election. Rhodes-Vivour claims that Hamzat’s past oath of allegiance to the United States could disqualify him from holding office in Nigeria.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Rhodes-Vivour referenced earlier controversies regarding Hamzat’s eligibility in the 2023 gubernatorial election. He indicated that his legal team based a challenge on Hamzat’s alleged allegiance to another country, asserting that public office holders in Nigeria should not owe loyalty to foreign nations.
“We focused on the fact that this current person who wants to contest for governor, the deputy governor, swore an oath of allegiance to another country,” Rhodes-Vivour said. “Constitutionally, that is one of the number one reasons to dismiss a candidate or someone who emerges as the governor.”
The basis for Rhodes-Vivour’s claims stem from testimony given during the 2023 election petition proceedings. Immigration lawyer Olubusayo Fasidi testified before the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that Hamzat applied for U.S. naturalization and took an oath of allegiance as part of the process. However, Fasidi noted that her expertise was in U.S. immigration law, and she was not well-versed in Nigeria’s constitutional stipulations regarding dual citizenship.
In addition to the eligibility issues, Rhodes-Vivour criticized the 2023 election process, citing reports of violence and intimidation throughout Lagos State. He emphasized the importance of electing public officials who demonstrate unequivocal loyalty to Nigeria.
Rhodes-Vivour also suggested that Hamzat could have formally renounced any claims of allegiance to the United States before pursuing public office, using the example of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
In related developments, President Bola Tinubu has publicly endorsed Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Lagos gubernatorial election.
