Former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship election after defeating his closest challenger, Silas, in the party’s primary.
Results announced after the exercise showed Rhodes-Vivour polling 12,948 votes, while Silas secured 6,183 votes in the contest, which attracted party delegates and supporters from across the state.
Observers at the exercise described the primary as orderly and competitive, with party members participating peacefully across designated voting centres.
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Reacting after his victory, Rhodes-Vivour appreciated party supporters and members for their confidence in his candidacy, describing the outcome as a shared achievement for everyone backing the movement.
“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 ADC candidate added that the party’s focus would now shift toward preparations for the 2027 governorship election, calling on supporters to remain united and committed to the movement.
“The work has only just begun. Together, we will continue to build a movement that represents hope, progress and accountable leadership for our people,” he stated.
Rhodes-Vivour also responded to reports suggesting he had lost the party’s ticket, dismissing the claims as misleading and politically motivated.
In a press statement issued on Monday, he criticised attempts to predict electoral outcomes through unofficial projections, insisting that political victories cannot be manufactured through speculation.
“If only wishes were horses, if only we could sit in our house and write results on Excel sheets to win elections,” he said.
He further argued that criticism and opposition often intensify whenever political figures experience moments of challenge, maintaining that his supporters remained steadfast.
Quoting comedian Dave Chappelle, Rhodes-Vivour said: “When a hero stumbles, cowards rejoice. Nothing feels better to a coward than to watch a brave guy fall.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the primary, the Lagos ADC candidate insisted that his political structure remained intact and stronger than ever.
“But sorry to disappoint, that won’t be today. The people of Lagos know the name of their champion,” he declared.
He also claimed that confidence among his supporters had prompted celebrations even before the formal declaration of the results.
“Since Friday the landslide victory was so definite that we had started celebrations. Last night we were officially declared victorious in a landslide victory,” he added.
Rhodes-Vivour expressed optimism about the 2027 governorship race, saying his movement would continue to overcome obstacles with divine support.
