2027: I can defeat APC without Peter Obi’s backing in Lagos – Rhodes-Vivour

Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has expressed confidence that he can defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 governorship election, even without the direct political backing of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Rhodes-Vivour made the declaration on Thursday during an appearance on The Morning Brief, where he addressed questions about his political strategy following Obi’s exit from the ADC.

Both Rhodes-Vivour and Obi were prominent figures in the 2023 general elections under the Labour Party. Their campaigns attracted widespread public support, particularly from the Obidient movement, which significantly boosted the party’s performance in both the presidential and Lagos governorship elections.

Ahead of the 2027 polls, the two politicians joined the ADC as part of efforts to strengthen opposition politics. However, internal disputes and legal challenges within the party later altered the political landscape.

While Obi eventually left the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rhodes-Vivour remained in the party to continue building his political structure in Lagos.

Asked how he intends to succeed without Obi and the Obidient movement, Rhodes-Vivour replied: “By doing the work.”

He said his political profile has grown considerably since the 2023 election, insisting that his support base now extends well beyond social media.

“Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of 2023 is not Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of 2026. We have been doing the work, we have been building structures in communities, we have entrenched ourselves. We are standing for the people.

“All the demolitions that have been happening all over Lagos, I have been there with the people, I have provided options, what people can look at and see a new type of Lagos, a Lagos that works for them and prioritises them. We had a fantastic run in 2023, His Excellency Peter Obi, a fantastic candidate. There are no issues between us.

“I just felt that Lagos has a peculiar type of politics that needs a broad-based coalition across generations, across tribes, across people with different experiences, and we achieved that,” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour defended his decision to remain in the ADC, stating that the party has successfully built a formidable opposition coalition in Lagos.

According to him, removing the APC from power in the state will require a united opposition rather than fragmented political interests.

“We came into the coalition because we realised that if we have multiple oppositions it will be difficult to take out this present government, and we have succeeded beautifully in Lagos State to build something that I am proud of.

“I am not somebody that does things based on emotions. I look at strategy, I think thoroughly before a decision is made. So, I am very sure that you will see that we will put out a very good outing in this election and, by God’s grace, we will win,” he said.

The ADC governorship hopeful also rejected claims that his popularity is limited to social media, saying he has spent the past few years strengthening grassroots support across Lagos communities.

He argued that his consistent engagement with residents, particularly during incidents involving forced demolitions and displacement, has deepened public confidence in his leadership.

Rhodes-Vivour further criticised the APC’s grip on Lagos politics, alleging that the ruling party has maintained its dominance through intimidation and violence rather than broad-based public support.

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