Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), has firmly ruled out any alliance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his political quest, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Sunday, Rhodes-Vivour described any suggestion that he might team up with Tinubu as a complete waste of time, insisting he would never align with the President or his political structure to become governor.
“I will rather go and focus on my business, my work, and my family,” GRV said. “Aligning with Tinubu will be a complete waste of time.”
The politician, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he remains committed to fighting for a better Lagos and challenging the political dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
“The reason why we are in politics is to make the lives of Lagosians better. It is to restore Lagos to its old glory — a glory that many young people may not even know existed,” he added.
Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that he would never be part of any political arrangement or party that does not allow him to use the resources of the state for the benefit of the people.
“Any political party that would not allow me to maximise the commonwealth of Lagos for the benefit of its people is a waste of time.”
Rhodes-Vivour also took aim at what he described as the growing influence of “agberocracy” — a term often used to describe the power of street thuggery and touts in Lagos politics. According to him, removing this influence is key to building a more progressive and inclusive Lagos.
“Lagos will only move forward when we remove agberocracy and replace it with leadership that puts the people first,” he said.
The former LP flagbearer, who emerged as a strong contender in the March 2023 governorship election, finished second behind APC’s Babajide Sanwo-Olu, gaining wide support from youth, professionals, and new voters in the state.
His defection to the ADC, a smaller opposition party, has raised questions about his future political plans. However, Rhodes-Vivour confirmed during the interview that he had informed the LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of his decision to move to the ADC.
“Yes, he (Peter Obi) was aware. We had a conversation. He remains a great man who is fighting for a better Nigeria,” he said.
When asked if he would contest the 2027 Lagos governorship election under the ADC, GRV replied confidently:
“By God’s grace.”
This confirms widespread speculation that Rhodes-Vivour intends to challenge the APC once again in Lagos, but this time under a different political platform.
President Tinubu, a former Lagos governor and national leader of the APC, is widely regarded as the most influential political figure in Lagos State. His political structure has dominated the state since 1999.
Rhodes-Vivour, on the other hand, has presented himself as a youthful alternative to the status quo, calling for reforms, transparency, and people-centered governance.
As the 2027 elections approach, his latest statements signal a renewed determination to remain in the political space on his own terms.
