The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, says his 2027 governorship campaign will not rely on the political influence of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi or the Obidient movement.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour said his years of grassroots mobilisation and community engagement have positioned him strongly ahead of the election.
Responding to questions about contesting without Obi’s support following the former presidential candidate’s exit from the ADC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rhodes-Vivour said, “By doing the work.”
He stressed that his political profile has grown significantly since the 2023 governorship election, noting that he has continued to build structures across communities and strengthen his connection with residents through sustained engagement, including support for those affected by demolitions.
Rhodes-Vivour also said there is no rift between him and Obi, describing the former Labour Party flagbearer as a “fantastic candidate.” However, he maintained that Lagos politics requires a broad-based coalition that cuts across generations, ethnic groups and different backgrounds.
Explaining his decision to remain in the ADC, he said the party had successfully built a formidable opposition coalition in Lagos, which he believes is capable of challenging the ruling APC.
Expressing confidence in his chances, Rhodes-Vivour said his campaign is driven by careful planning rather than emotion and dismissed claims that his popularity is limited to social media, insisting he has established a strong grassroots presence across Lagos communities.