African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, says his connection with members of the Obidient movement remains strong despite his decision to contest the 2027 governorship election on a different political platform from Peter Obi.
Rhodes-Vivour made the statement during an interview on BlackBox, a talk show hosted by Rufai Oseni.
When asked whether the political support associated with Obi could still benefit his campaign now that the two politicians are no longer in the same party, Rhodes-Vivour said he continues to embody the principles that attracted supporters to the movement.
“I feel that the qualities that movement adopted or welcomed, those are qualities that I still carry. Those are qualities that have been consistent with. I’ve been with them in the trenches,” he said.
‘That Movement Is Still With Me’
Rhodes-Vivour said his relationship with members of the movement did not end after the 2023 elections.
He explained that he maintained personal connections with supporters and continued to be involved in their affairs even after the election, including helping with issues that arose in the aftermath.
“Even after the election, the aftermath of the election, hospital bills that were paid, and all of that. We build personal relationships across board,” he said.
According to the ADC candidate, remaining consistent with the values of the movement has helped him maintain the trust of its members despite his political separation from Obi.
“I feel that as far as I carry those qualities and those characteristics are still with me, and I’ve shown consistency, I believe that I’m a trusted figure,” Rhodes-Vivour said.
He expressed confidence that the movement would continue to support him when the 2027 contest intensifies.
“I believe that when push comes to shove, that movement is still with me. That’s just the honest truth.”
Rhodes-Vivour, Obi Take Different Political Paths
In the 2023 elections, both Obi and Rhodes-Vivour contested under the Labour Party.
Obi won Lagos State in the presidential election, while Rhodes-Vivour finished second in the governorship race behind incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
However, their political paths have since diverged ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi has moved from the Labour Party to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where Funso Doherty is the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos.
Rhodes-Vivour, meanwhile, is seeking to govern Lagos under the ADC, whose presidential candidate is former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Despite the political differences, Rhodes-Vivour recently said he has no issues with Obi.
He has also made clear that Atiku remains his preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election, while he seeks the Lagos governorship ticket under the ADC.
Source: BlackBox interview
