- Rhodes-Vivour said he can win the 2027 election without Peter Obi
- He credited his growing grassroots support across Lagos
- He expressed confidence that the ADC coalition will defeat the APC
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, says he is confident of mounting a strong challenge in the 2027 governorship election despite the exit of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from the party.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Rhodes-Vivour and Obi contested the 2023 general elections under the Labour Party, with the Obidient movement playing a major role in their campaigns. Both politicians later joined the ADC as part of efforts to strengthen the opposition ahead of 2027.
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However, internal legal disputes within the party led Obi to move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Rhodes-Vivour decided to remain with the ADC.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed suggestions that Obi’s departure would weaken his political ambition, saying his focus is on sustained grassroots engagement.
According to him, his political influence has expanded considerably since the 2023 election through continuous community mobilisation and direct involvement in issues affecting Lagos residents.
He said his team has built strong local structures across the state and has remained actively engaged with communities, particularly those affected by demolitions, while offering alternative ideas for governance.
Rhodes-Vivour described Peter Obi as a respected political ally and insisted there is no disagreement between them. He added that Lagos politics requires a broad coalition that cuts across ethnic, generational and political divides.
The ADC candidate explained that he chose to remain in the party because it has successfully brought together opposition forces in Lagos, a strategy he believes is essential to challenging the ruling government in the next election.
He expressed confidence that the coalition would produce a strong performance at the polls, stressing that his political decisions are guided by long-term strategy rather than emotion.
Rhodes-Vivour also rejected claims that his popularity exists mainly on social media, insisting that his support is rooted in communities across Lagos.
He further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) held on to power in the 2023 governorship election through violence rather than widespread public support, maintaining that the opposition is better positioned for the 2027 contest.
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