Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a former Lagos governorship candidate under the Labour Party and current chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared that the 2027 general election will pit ordinary Nigerians against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an interview with PUNCH, Rhodes-Vivour described the upcoming polls as a direct contest between the people and the APC, which he accused of using state instruments to intimidate and co-opt opposition figures.
“I have said it before, 2027 will be an election between the people and the APC,” he stated.He criticised the APC's alleged tactics, claiming that some governors receive incentives to defect or align with the party, after which anti-corruption cases against them disappear.
“The aim is to have collaborators. But the people are suffering,” he added.Rhodes-Vivour positioned the ADC as the primary opposition force in Nigeria, dismissing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as weakened by internal issues, particularly the influence of Minister Nyesom Wike.
“Unfortunately, Wike happened to the PDP. I do not think they have been able to shake that off,” he said, pointing to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s defection from PDP to the Accord Party as evidence of the party's decline.
On Lagos governance under the APC, Rhodes-Vivour described it as a “military democracy” marked by lawlessness, suppression of dissent, and disregard for court orders.
He cited recent demolitions in Jakande Estate despite a court injunction and his own experience of being tear-gassed while documenting protests.
“The government is aware of this court order, but they do not care. So, they have shown themselves to be a lawless government that insists that citizens should obey the law,” he remarked.
He rated the current administration’s performance in education, health, and infrastructure as “completely terrible,” highlighting wasteful spending such as budgeting nearly N113 million for a generator worth far less.
Rhodes-Vivour explained his departure from the Labour Party, citing prolonged legal battles and instability that hindered building a viable platform.
He confirmed his ongoing engagement with communities and his intention to contest again in 2027, with his “hat always in the ring.”
For the ADC to succeed, he urged the party to mobilise grassroots support, remain humble, empathetic, and united post-primaries, viewing itself as a tool for the people rather than the dominant force.
“The people have the power. The issue is fear. If communities like Makoko stood together, demolition would be harder,” he said.
He called for a broad opposition coalition to leverage individual strengths and minimise weaknesses in confronting the APC’s dominance ahead of 2027.
Rhodes-Vivour emphasised that true change depends on overcoming fear and empowering communities to resist intimidation.
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