African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has expressed confidence that he can defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 governorship election without relying on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi or the Obidient Movement.
Rhodes-Vivour made the remarks while speaking on The Morning Brief, where he addressed questions about his political strategy following Obi’s exit from the ADC. He insisted that his political structure in Lagos has grown stronger since the 2023 elections.
‘We’ll Win by Doing the Work’
Responding to questions about how he plans to win without Obi’s direct support, Rhodes-Vivour gave a simple answer.
“By doing the work.”
He said his political movement has matured over the past three years through grassroots mobilisation and community engagement across Lagos.
According to him, his team has remained active by supporting residents affected by issues such as demolitions while presenting alternative ideas for governance.
“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.”
Rhodes-Vivour Speaks on Peter Obi
Rhodes-Vivour dismissed suggestions of a rift between him and Peter Obi.
He described Obi as a “fantastic candidate” and said their relationship remains cordial despite choosing different political paths.
He explained that Lagos politics requires a broad coalition that cuts across generations, ethnic groups and communities.
“His Excellency Peter Obi, 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.”
Why He Stayed in ADC
The former Labour Party governorship candidate also defended his decision to remain in the ADC despite recent political realignments.
He said opposition leaders in Lagos have successfully built a coalition capable of challenging the APC in the next election.
Rhodes-Vivour added that his political decisions are based on strategy rather than emotion.
“I am not somebody that does things based on emotions. I look at strategy, I think thoroughly before a decision is made. By God’s grace, we will win.”
Rhodes-Vivour Targets APC in 2027
The ADC candidate argued that defeating the APC would require unity among opposition parties instead of multiple candidates contesting separately.
He also rejected claims that his popularity exists only on social media. According to him, years of community engagement have strengthened his grassroots support across Lagos.
Rhodes-Vivour maintained that his campaign is focused on offering Lagos residents an alternative style of leadership ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
