- He explained that after the 2023 election, he continued his political activities rather than stepping away from public life
- The politician said his team has been actively engaging communities through various initiatives
- .He argued that divisions within opposition groups weaken their ability to challenge the ruling party effectively
Architect and former Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes‑Vivour, has confirmed that he will contest the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, stating that his political influence has grown stronger since the 2023 polls.
Rhodes-Vivour, who recently joined the African Democratic Congress, made the announcement during an interview on SaharaTV where he criticised the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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According to him, his intention to run again has been clear for some time, noting that he had openly declared his ambition as far back as 2024.
He explained that after the 2023 election, he continued his political activities rather than stepping away from public life.
Rhodes-Vivour said he pursued his legal challenge against the election outcome up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria while simultaneously strengthening his grassroots network across Lagos.
The politician said his team has been actively engaging communities through various initiatives, including micro-health insurance programmes and local outreach efforts.
He believes these activities have helped expand his support base and increase his political strength compared with the previous election cycle.
Rhodes-Vivour also explained that his exit from the Labour Party was motivated by the need for stronger unity among opposition parties. He argued that divisions within opposition groups weaken their ability to challenge the ruling party effectively.
According to him, internal disputes and prolonged court battles within the Labour Party after the 2023 elections slowed down efforts to consolidate the party’s gains and strengthen its grassroots presence.
The former candidate further criticised the Lagos State Government over demolition exercises in several communities, claiming that there are inadequate housing policies to protect low-income residents.
He cited areas such as Makoko and Ilasan where residents were allegedly displaced without proper resettlement plans.
Rhodes-Vivour argued that destroying homes without providing alternatives could increase social tension and instability, particularly in a city with a large population of low-income earners.
He also raised concerns about alleged financial irregularities in public procurement within the Lagos State House of Assembly. According to him, some government budget estimates appear heavily inflated, suggesting systemic corruption in the management of public funds.
The politician added that resources that could significantly improve education, healthcare, and other public services are often mismanaged.
Rhodes-Vivour also rejected claims that the strong support for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election in Lagos was driven by ethnic sentiment.
Instead, he argued that many Lagos voters supported Obi because they believed he was the most capable candidate.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Rhodes-Vivour said his campaign will focus heavily on grassroots engagement and direct interaction with residents across the state.
He believes building personal connections with voters will help reduce fears about political change in Lagos, where the ruling party has remained in power for many years.
According to him, stronger relationships with communities will play a key role in shaping the political landscape ahead of the next governorship election.
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