Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, has questioned the eligibility of Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, over an alleged oath of allegiance to the United States.
Rhodes-Vivour raised the issue on Tuesday during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme.
He referred to evidence presented during the 2023 Lagos State governorship election petition proceedings by Olubusayo Fasidi, an immigration lawyer, who testified that Hamzat had applied for US naturalisation and taken an oath of allegiance to the country.
According to Rhodes-Vivour, his legal team relied on the issue when challenging Hamzat’s eligibility during the 2023 election dispute.
“We focused on the fact that this current person that I want to contest for governor, deputy governor, swore an oath of allegiance to another country,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour argued that a Nigerian public office holder should not simultaneously owe allegiance to another country, saying the issue was significant enough to affect a candidate’s eligibility.
He also criticised the conduct of the 2023 Lagos governorship election, alleging that it was characterised by violence and intimidation.
“I cannot accept an election that is not fair. I cannot accept an election that has had people wounded, beaten, stabbed, killed,” he said.
The ADC candidate said Nigerians should elect leaders whose commitment to the country is unquestionable. He cited his own decision not to pursue citizenship in France, the United Kingdom or the US despite having lived and studied abroad.
Rhodes-Vivour further referenced former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, arguing that Hamzat could have publicly renounced any alleged US allegiance before seeking public office.
Meanwhile, Hamzat has received the backing of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
ADC governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has revived questions over Obafemi Hamzat’s eligibility to contest the 2027 Lagos governorship election, citing an alleged US oath of allegiance and the constitutional implications of dual allegiance.