Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Lagos State governorship, has expressed his support for Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election. In an interview with the BBC, Rhodes-Vivour stated that his first priority is Lagos State, and he has no issue with Peter Obi, despite previously campaigning for him in the 2023 election. Rhodes-Vivour's endorsement of Atiku Abubakar comes as a surprise to many, given his past association with Peter Obi.
Rhodes-Vivour's political journey has seen him align with both Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi at different times. In his first Senate bid, Atiku Abubakar was the presidential candidate, while Peter Obi was his running mate. However, in the 2023 election, Rhodes-Vivour was the Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, while Obi was the party's presidential flagbearer. Rhodes-Vivour has since moved to the ADC and has now declared his support for Atiku Abubakar.
Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that his allegiance ahead of the 2027 election is clear, stating that Atiku Abubakar is his presidential candidate. He, however, maintained that Nigerians should be free to support whichever candidate they believe can move the country forward. Rhodes-Vivour's endorsement of Atiku Abubakar is seen as a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election.
The ADC candidate for the Lagos State governorship also addressed the recurring controversy over claims that Lagos is a "no man's land." He rejected the description outright, saying it was disrespectful to indigenous Lagos families. According to Rhodes-Vivour, Lagos has never been a "no man's land," and anyone who says so is insulting not just him but also his ancestors.
Rhodes-Vivour's comments on the "no man's land" controversy are significant, given the ongoing debate about the ownership and identity of Lagos State. The ADC candidate emphasized that Lagos has a rich history and culture, and its indigenous families should be respected. He also highlighted his commitment to the development of Lagos State, stating that his first priority is the state's growth and progress.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, with some hailing Rhodes-Vivour's endorsement of Atiku Abubakar, while others have criticized his decision. The 2027 presidential election is expected to be a highly contested one, with several candidates vying for the top spot. Rhodes-Vivour's endorsement of Atiku Abubakar is seen as a significant boost to the former vice president's campaign.
As the 2027 presidential election approaches, Nigerian politicians are beginning to declare their support for various candidates. Rhodes-Vivour's endorsement of Atiku Abubakar is just one of many developments that will likely shape the outcome of the election. The ADC candidate for the Lagos State governorship has reiterated his commitment to the development of Lagos State and his support for Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election.
Key points
- Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, ADC Lagos governorship candidate, endorses Atiku Abubakar for 2027 presidential election.
- Rhodes-Vivour previously campaigned for Peter Obi in 2023 but has now declared support for Atiku Abubakar.
- Rhodes-Vivour rejects claims that Lagos is a "no man's land," calling it disrespectful to indigenous Lagos families.
