The 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has disclosed that he received the backing of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He explained that Obi gave his approval before he defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Advertisement
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Rhodes-Vivour explained that his decision was part of a broader plan to strengthen opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He emphasised that Lagos cannot be controlled by a single political figure, stressing the need for a coalition.
When asked directly if Obi approved his move, Rhodes-Vivour replied: “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.
“We have all agreed that the only way for the opposition to have a successful election is through a coalition.”
He argued that the dominance of President Bola Tinubu’s political structure in Lagos must be challenged, insisting that governance should reflect the collective will of the people.
“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. The idea that Lagos belongs to one man is something I completely reject,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour also criticised the state of infrastructure in areas like Alimosho Local Government, accusing local leaders of neglecting development while using security forces to stifle opposition activities.
He maintained that violence and intimidation reveal the failures of governance.
