Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has ruled out any possibility of aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political structure, insisting that he would rather walk away from politics altogether than compromise his ideology.
Rhodes-Vivour, who officially left the Labour Party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday, made the declaration while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday evening. He stressed that his brand of politics, which he described as people-centered and ideologically distinct, was fundamentally at odds with the political style associated with Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.
The 2023 governorship candidate, who mounted one of the strongest challenges against the dominance of the APC in Lagos, argued that joining forces with Tinubu would negate the principles he has consistently stood for. According to him, such an alignment would not only betray the trust of his supporters but also amount to a waste of his time and energy in a political system he believes requires fresh perspectives and accountability.
When asked directly whether aligning with Tinubu might be a more realistic pathway to achieving his political ambition of governing Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed the suggestion, saying: “No. I’ll rather go and focus on my business, work, and family; that would be a complete waste of time.” His response underscores his commitment to staying outside the mainstream political bloc in the state, even at the risk of jeopardizing his chances in future elections.
Rhodes-Vivour’s defection to the ADC has generated considerable debate in political circles, as observers question how his new platform would enable him to sustain his political momentum. The Labour Party had provided him with a strong base during the 2023 elections, but his exit highlights growing tensions within the opposition fold as politicians seek more viable structures to challenge the APC’s grip on Lagos.
Analysts say Rhodes-Vivour’s position reflects a broader frustration among young politicians who feel stifled by entrenched political networks and patronage systems in the state. By refusing to align with Tinubu, he positions himself as a voice of defiance against the long-standing political establishment, even though this stance could limit his access to the traditional power brokers that dominate Lagos politics.
As he embarks on his journey with the ADC, attention will be on how Rhodes-Vivour consolidates his political base and whether his uncompromising stance against aligning with Tinubu can translate into meaningful political gains ahead of the 2027 general elections. For now, his declaration signals a bold, if risky, attempt to chart a new path outside the shadow of Lagos’ dominant political machinery.
