Obi Approved My Move to ADC, Says Rhodes-Vivour

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has disclosed that he received the blessing of LP’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, before defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Rhodes-Vivour said Obi not only approved his move but also sent a representative to witness his official declaration on Saturday.

“Yes, certainly. A representative of his was at the declaration. 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 stated.

Rhodes-Vivour, however, stressed that Lagos State cannot remain under the control of a single individual, noting that his political movement, Our Lagos, is built on the belief that the state belongs to all residents.

“I don’t believe that Lagos belongs to one man. Lagos is our shared responsibility; it is our home. The idea that our commonwealth can be commandeered by one man for over two decades is something I stand against,” he declared.

He also criticised the state of infrastructure in areas like Alimosho Local Government, lamenting the poor inner roads while accusing local government chairmen of using policemen to frustrate opposition 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 added.

The former LP candidate noted that his move to the ADC, with Obi’s knowledge, is part of a broader strategy aimed at building a strong opposition coalition to challenge the ruling political structure in Lagos and across Nigeria.