2027: Rhodes-Vivour Rules Out Dependence on Obi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has declared that his 2027 governorship campaign will be driven by grassroots mobilisation and community engagement rather than reliance on the political influence of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi or the Obidient movement.

Rhodes-Vivour made the assertion during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief* on Thursday while responding to questions about the future of his campaign following Obi’s reported departure from the ADC to join the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Asked how he intended to prosecute his campaign without Obi’s backing, the Lagos politician replied that his strategy would be anchored on sustained grassroots work.

“By doing the work,” he said, maintaining that his political relevance has grown considerably since contesting the Lagos governorship election in 2023.

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According to Rhodes-Vivour, his political structure has expanded significantly over the past three years through continuous engagement with residents and community-based initiatives across the state.

“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,” he stated.

The ADC candidate also highlighted his involvement with communities affected by demolition exercises in Lagos, saying those engagements have strengthened his connection with residents and shaped his understanding of the state’s governance challenges.

Despite Obi’s political realignment, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed suggestions of any disagreement between them, describing their collaboration during the 2023 elections as productive and beneficial.

“We had a fantastic run in 2023. His Excellency Peter Obi, fantastic candidate, there are no issues between us,” he said.

He explained that Lagos politics requires a broad coalition that cuts across ethnic, generational and political divides, adding that such an alliance was successfully built during the last election cycle.

Rhodes-Vivour also defended his decision to remain in the ADC, insisting that the party has evolved into a credible opposition platform capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

According to him, the coalition within the ADC was established to unite opposition forces and avoid fragmentation that could weaken efforts to unseat the incumbent administration.

Expressing optimism ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Rhodes-Vivour said his confidence stems from years of strategic planning and grassroots organisation rather than online popularity.

He rejected claims that his support base exists mainly on social media, insisting that his political movement has gained substantial traction in communities across Lagos.

The former governorship candidate said he remains convinced that the opposition can mount a formidable challenge in the next election, expressing confidence that sustained engagement with residents will translate into electoral success.