The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who revealed that he had hired a Yoruba teacher to learn the language ahead of the 2027 governorship election. APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, welcomed Rhodes-Vivour's effort but questioned whether speaking Yoruba alone was enough to demonstrate an understanding of Lagos and its people. Oladejo emphasized that language is a gateway to understanding people, carrying history, humor, values, and traditions.
Oladejo urged Rhodes-Vivour to complement his language lessons with a deeper knowledge of Lagos' history, culture, institutions, and governance challenges. He argued that Rhodes-Vivour's criticism of the APC's governorship candidate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, could not discount his years of experience in Lagos public service. Hamzat has occupied several public-sector positions, including commissioner and deputy governor, in addition to his professional experience. Oladejo noted that Rhodes-Vivour may identify areas where Hamzat's record could have been better, but to suggest that experience has no value is a curious argument.
Rhodes-Vivour had listed flooding, housing, and traffic among the major challenges facing Lagos residents, stressing that the problems affect people regardless of their ethnic or linguistic backgrounds. During an interview on Arise TV, he displayed his growing proficiency in Yoruba, responding in the language when greeted by a presenter. Oladejo challenged Rhodes-Vivour to explain how he would address the traffic congestion problem, asking him to outline his proposed road infrastructure, funding arrangements, and mass-transit strategy.
Oladejo argued that Lagos is not a village road network, but one of Africa's largest urban and economic centers, with enormous population pressure, intense commercial activity, and rapidly expanding transportation demands. He emphasized that the 2027 election should center on the candidates' knowledge of Lagos and their ability to turn campaign promises into workable public policies. Effective governance, Oladejo said, involves institutions, budgets, planning, infrastructure, security coordination, transportation systems, and day-to-day administrative decisions.
The APC spokesman challenged Rhodes-Vivour to allow Lagos residents to assess his record, plans, and capacity instead of focusing largely on Hamzat. Oladejo stated that 2027 is not an audition for television but a conversation about the future of Lagos. He emphasized that Lagos is not governed by Instagram posts, television appearances, or campaign slogans, but by the candidates' ability to deliver on their promises.
Rhodes-Vivour's decision to learn Yoruba was seen as an effort to connect with Lagos residents, but Oladejo argued that this alone is not enough to demonstrate a genuine understanding of the state's complexities. The APC spokesman urged Rhodes-Vivour to engage in a more substantive conversation about his vision for Lagos, rather than relying on symbolic gestures like learning a language.
The exchange between the APC and Rhodes-Vivour highlights the growing tensions ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos. As the election approaches, candidates will be under increasing pressure to demonstrate their knowledge of the state and their ability to address its challenges. The APC's response to Rhodes-Vivour's language skills is seen as a strategic move to challenge the ADC candidate's credentials and emphasize the importance of substance over symbolism in the election.
Key points
- The Lagos APC has challenged Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour to demonstrate a deeper understanding of Lagos beyond his decision to learn Yoruba.
- The APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, emphasized that language is a gateway to understanding people, but it is not enough to demonstrate an understanding of Lagos and its people.
- The 2027 election in Lagos will center on the candidates' knowledge of the state and their ability to turn campaign promises into workable public policies.
