2027: I Don’t Need Peter Obi to Win Lagos, We’ve Built Our Own Structure — Rhodes-Vivour

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has expressed confidence that he can win the 2027 governorship election without relying 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 focus is now on grassroots mobilisation, insisting that years of community engagement have positioned his campaign for a stronger showing than in the 2023 elections.

Responding to questions about contesting without Obi, who has since left the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following internal party disputes, Rhodes-Vivour gave a brief but confident reply: “By doing the work.”

He argued that his political journey has evolved significantly since his first governorship bid, saying the structures built across Lagos communities have strengthened his chances ahead of the next election.

“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 said.

The ADC candidate noted that he had consistently engaged with residents affected by demolitions across the state, offering alternative policy ideas and presenting what he described as a vision for a Lagos that prioritises the welfare of its people.

While acknowledging the role Peter Obi played in the Labour Party’s performance during the 2023 elections, Rhodes-Vivour stressed that there was no disagreement between them. He explained that Lagos politics requires a broad coalition that cuts across generations, ethnic groups and different social interests.

He also defended his decision to remain in the ADC after Obi’s departure, saying the party had successfully built a united opposition front in Lagos capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, the coalition strategy was designed to prevent opposition votes from being divided, expressing confidence that the groundwork already laid would produce a strong performance at the polls.

“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.

Rhodes-Vivour also dismissed suggestions that his political support exists mainly online. He insisted his popularity extends well beyond social media, claiming he has established a solid grassroots presence throughout Lagos. He further alleged that the APC retained control of the state during the 2023 governorship election through violence rather than widespread public support.