The 2023 Lagos governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has emerged as the party’s governorship flagbearer for the 2027 Lagos State election after defeating his rival, Silas, in the party’s primary election.
According to results announced after the statewide exercise, Rhodes-Vivour polled 12,948 votes to defeat Silas, who secured 6,183 votes in the keenly contested primary.
The primary election, conducted across various parts of Lagos State, reportedly witnessed a strong turnout of party members and supporters, with observers describing the process as peaceful, transparent, and well coordinated.
Speaking shortly after he was declared winner, Rhodes-Vivour expressed appreciation to party faithful and supporters for what he described as overwhelming support 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 stated.
The ADC candidate said the outcome of the primary signaled the beginning of a renewed political movement focused on accountable governance and transformation in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“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.
Oduduwa News gathered that Rhodes-Vivour also reacted to earlier reports circulating on social media suggesting he had lost the primary election, dismissing the claims as speculative and misleading.
In a statement issued on Monday, the politician mocked the rumours, saying: “If only wishes were horses, if only we could sit in our house and write results on Excel sheets to win elections.”
The former governorship candidate further maintained that his political structure and support base across Lagos remained intact despite criticism from opponents and doubters.
Quoting American 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 insisted that supporters of his movement had already begun celebrations before the official declaration because victory was already certain.
“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 said.
With the primary now concluded, political observers say the ADC candidate is expected to intensify consultations and mobilization ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship contest.