Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Lagos State after securing a decisive victory in the party’s primary election, positioning himself as a major contender in the build-up to the 2027 governorship race.
Rhodes-Vivour defeated his closest challenger, Owolabi Salis, by polling 12,948 votes against Salis’ 6,183 votes in the keenly contested exercise conducted by delegates across the state.
Declaring the results, Oladimeji Fabiyi, who chaired the Lagos State ADC governorship primary election committee, formally announced Rhodes-Vivour as the party’s flagbearer.
“By the power conferred on me, by the laws and regulations of the body, the primary election of our party, I, Oladimeji Fabiyi, chairman of the Lagos State ADC primary election, hereby return Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour as the elected candidate,” Fabiyi stated during the official declaration of results.
The victory marks a significant political comeback for Rhodes-Vivour, popularly known as GRV, who became a prominent opposition figure in Lagos politics during the 2023 governorship election. His growing popularity among youths, professionals, and urban voters has continued to shape political conversations in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Addressing party supporters after the announcement, Rhodes-Vivour expressed gratitude to party members and loyalists for their support, describing the victory as a collective mandate for change and accountable governance in Lagos State.
“I want to sincerely thank every supporter who rallied around this movement and came out en masse to vote. This victory belongs to all of us who believe in a better future,” he said.
“The work has only just begun. Together, we will continue to build a movement that represents hope, progress and accountable leadership for our people,” Rhodes-Vivour added.
Political observers say his emergence could reshape opposition politics in Lagos ahead of the next general election, especially as parties begin early mobilization and coalition talks to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.
The ADC primary also signals the party’s intention to strengthen its structure in Lagos by rallying behind a candidate with strong name recognition and an established grassroots network. With the governorship contest still months away, analysts expect the political atmosphere in Lagos to intensify as parties strategize for what could become one of the most closely watched elections in the country.
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