Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, has confirmed that he secured the approval of Mr Peter Obi before joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on Sunday, September 7, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Rhodes-Vivour said his move was part of a broader plan to strengthen opposition unity.
“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. Regardless of where anybody may be at this time, we are working towards that aim,” he explained.
Rhodes-Vivour also rejected the notion that Lagos belongs to a single individual, emphasising that the city should be governed for 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.
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“The idea that Lagos belongs to one man is something I completely reject. The idea that our commonwealth can be commandeered by one man for over two decades is something I stand against,” he said.
He criticised local governance failures, highlighting poor road conditions in Alimosho Local Government and the use of security forces to prevent opposition gatherings.
“It is not about me; it is about the people of Lagos and Nigeria. Look at Alimosho Local Government — the inner roads are terrible.
“Instead of fixing them, local government chairmen go around with policemen to prevent the opposition from holding gatherings on Lion Field.
“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 stressed that his political moves are focused on challenging entrenched power structures and ensuring governance in Lagos serves the people.