Lagos Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has disclosed that his recent move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was approved by LP’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Rhodes-Vivour said opposition unity was essential for success in future elections.
“Yes, certainly. A representative of his was at the declaration on Saturday. Peter Obi and I are communicating, we are aligned. There is no step I am taking that he is not aware of,” he explained. “We have all agreed that the only way for the opposition to have a successful election is through a coalition.”
Rhodes-Vivour, who formally joined the ADC at the weekend, stressed that Lagos could not be “pocketed by one man,” in reference to President Bola Tinubu’s long-standing political dominance in the state.
“I don’t believe that Lagos belongs to one man. That is why my movement is called Our Lagos. Lagos is our shared responsibility; it is our home,” he said. “The idea that our commonwealth can be commandeered by one man for over two decades is something I stand against.”
He criticised poor infrastructure in parts of Lagos, citing Alimosho Local Government, where he said inner roads remain in deplorable condition. He also accused local government authorities of stifling opposition by using police to disrupt gatherings.
“If they provided good governance, they wouldn’t be worried about the opposition or resorting to violence and intimidation. Violence is the last refuge of politicians,” Rhodes-Vivour stated.
