Grassroots network, coalition will drive Lagos governorship bid, says Rhodes

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship hopeful in Lagos State , Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, says his ambition for the 2027 governorship election will be anchored on grassroots mobilisation and a broad political alliance, rather than the influence of any single political figure. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour said he remains confident of mounting a formidable challenge despite the exit of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from the ADC. Both politicians had contested the 2023 general election on the platform of the Labour Party, where Obi’s presidential campaign and the Obidient movement contributed significantly to the party’s performance nationwide, particularly in Lagos. However, following internal disputes and legal battles within the ADC, Obi moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while Rhodes-Vivour chose to continue his political journey in the ADC. Responding to questions on how he intends to prosecute his 2027 campaign without Obi’s political backing, Rhodes-Vivour said his focus remains on sustained engagement with Lagos residents. “By doing the work,” he said. The politician explained that he has spent the past few years expanding his political structures across communities, adding that his experience since the 2023 election has strengthened his connection with residents. According to him, his involvement in issues affecting Lagosians, including interventions during demolition exercises in different parts of the state, has helped reinforce public confidence in his leadership. “Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of 2023 is not Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of 2026. We have continued building structures within communities and standing with the people. During several demolition exercises across Lagos, I was with affected residents, offering support and presenting alternatives for a Lagos that truly serves its people,” he said. Related News Rhodes-Vivour endorses Hamzat for governor How Nigeria can build effective social security system, by Rhodes-Vivour Not-too-young to prostitute: Rhodes-Vivour makes it to ADC harem Rhodes-Vivour stressed that there was no disagreement between him and Obi, describing the former Labour Party presidential candidate as a respected political leader. He, however, argued that winning Lagos requires a wider political partnership that cuts across ethnic, generational and social divides. “His Excellency Peter Obi remains a fantastic candidate and there are no issues between us. But Lagos politics demands a broad-based coalition that brings together people from different backgrounds, generations and experiences, and that is what we have been building,” he added. The ADC chieftain also defended his decision to remain in the party, saying the coalition being formed within the platform provides the strongest opportunity for opposition forces to challenge the ruling party in the state. Read Also: Rhodes-Vivour endorses Hamzat for governor He noted that fragmented opposition politics would only strengthen the incumbents, expressing optimism that the coalition would perform strongly in the 2027 election. “Our decision was strategic. We realised that a divided opposition would make it difficult to unseat the present government. I believe the work we have done will produce positive results, and by God’s grace, we will emerge victorious,” he said. Rhodes-Vivour also rejected suggestions that his popularity is driven mainly by social media, insisting that his political support extends to communities across Lagos. He further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress held on to power in the 2023 Lagos governorship election through intimidation and violence rather than overwhelming public support. --> --> TAGS: Rhodes-Vivour