The governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has emerged winner of the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to The Nation, Rhodes-Vivour defeated his closest rival, Silas, after securing 12,948 votes in the exercise conducted across the state.
Silas polled 6,183 votes in the contest.
Party stakeholders and supporters participated in the primary election, which observers described as peaceful and transparent.
A strong turnout was reportedly recorded across voting centres in different parts of the state.
Speaking after he was declared winner, Rhodes-Vivour thanked party members and supporters for their support.
He described the outcome as a collective victory for his political 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 former governorship candidate added that the movement would continue to pursue what he described as accountable leadership and political transformation in Lagos State.
“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 added.
In a follow-up reaction to reports suggesting he had lost the party’s ticket, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed the claims and criticised what he described as speculative narratives.
“If only wishes were horses, if only we could sit in our house and write results on Excel sheets to win elections,” he said in a statement on Monday.
The politician also responded to critics questioning his political strength, insisting that his support base remained intact despite attempts to undermine his victory.
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.”
He further insisted that the political momentum within his camp remained strong.
“But sorry to disappoint, that won’t be today. The people of Lagos know the name of their champion,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour also claimed that his supporters had already begun celebrations before the official declaration because they were confident of victory.
“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 stated.
He concluded by expressing optimism about the 2027 governorship election, saying his movement would continue to triumph despite challenges.
