In a conversation with Muhammed Lawal, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 Lagos Governorship election, shares his thoughts on Nigeria’s political landscape, revealing the reasons behind his decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the future of LP in Nigeria.
“I’m not leaving the Labour Party, I’m joining the coalition,” said Rhodes-Vivour, emphasizing that this is a strategic move for unity in the opposition. According to him, the coalition is crucial for building a political base that will challenge the ruling party in the 2027 elections. “When the votes of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are combined, it’s clear the opposition can no longer afford to be fragmented.”
Rhodes-Vivour expressed disappointment in the LP’s internal struggles, which have undermined its potential for growth. “The party was unable to build on the momentum from the 2023 elections due to prolonged legal battles and internal divisions. Peter Obi’s supporters were the driving force of the last election, and without a united structure, the LP’s chances of replicating that success are slim.”
On allegations of tribalism, the politician vehemently defended himself, claiming that critics are intentionally distorting his words to create division. “It’s a strategy to distract from the real issues,” he said, referring to his past comment about “not thinking in Yoruba.” “I regret how that comment was perceived and, as a politician, I am learning to be more composed.”
In his critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Rhodes-Vivour also touched on the history behind his use of the term Afonja, a name with deep Yoruba historical significance. He explained that his reference to Tinubu as Afonja was rooted in historical events where ambition led to the betrayal of local interests.
Rhodes-Vivour’s position on the rising ethnic tensions in Lagos was clear: “This is a distraction. The real issues are the deteriorating infrastructure and the failure to provide basic services like clean drinking water.” He pointed out the billions of naira spent on unnecessary projects while ordinary Lagosians continue to suffer from poor governance.
With the 2027 elections looming, Rhodes-Vivour is confident that the ADC will rise as a force to reckon with, stating, “We are moving from politics by party to politics by personality. In this new era, people want leaders who resonate with them on a personal level, not just party ideologies.”
Rhodes-Vivour also shared his perspective on the return of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the political scene in 2027, suggesting that Jonathan’s candidacy could be a viable option for a Southern presidency. “After the divisive years under a Northern leader, many Nigerians are looking towards the South for leadership,” he explained.
