Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, has declared that Atiku Abubakar is his presidential candidate for the 2027 election, while insisting that his political choice should not be interpreted as a declaration of war against Peter Obi. In an interview with BBC Igbo, Rhodes-Vivour said his primary political love remained Lagos and that he had no personal problem with Obi despite the political differences surrounding the two politicians. His position arrives as the ADC intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections, with Atiku officially positioned as the party’s presidential candidate and Rhodes-Vivour among its governorship candidates.
Atiku Gets the Vote, Obi Gets the “No Hard Feelings” Notice
Rhodes-Vivour’s message appears to be a political balancing act: Atiku gets his presidential support, while Obi gets reassurance that there is no personal quarrel. In the colourful mathematics of Nigerian politics, yesterday’s political teammate can become today’s rival without necessarily becoming tomorrow’s enemy. Rhodes-Vivour recalled that his own political journey had placed him around both men at different stages, making his latest alignment less of a personal rejection of Obi and more a declaration of where his present political home lies.
The ADC candidate’s loyalty to Atiku is also consistent with the party’s current structure. Atiku emerged as the ADC’s presidential candidate after its May 2026 primary, while the party later selected Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate. The ADC has subsequently presented the ticket as part of its 2027 presidential campaign, meaning Rhodes-Vivour’s declaration is not exactly a political whisper; it is a reminder that party membership usually comes with a preferred name on the presidential ballot.
Lagos First, “No-Man’s Land” Debate Still Refuses to Retire
Where the conversation became even more combustible was Lagos. Rhodes-Vivour rejected the description of Lagos as a “no-man’s land,” arguing that the expression is historically and personally offensive and questioning the logic behind describing a place as belonging to nobody while people continue to buy and sell land there. In satirical political terms, Lagos appears to have once again been summoned to court—this time with politicians, ancestry, property documents and campaign microphones all waiting to testify.
The issue is hardly detached from Rhodes-Vivour’s wider campaign. He has repeatedly presented his Lagos ambition as a project centred on grassroots engagement and improving the quality of life of residents, while the ADC officially unveiled him as its Lagos governorship candidate in September. His latest comments therefore reinforce a familiar message: whatever happens between the big names at the national level, he wants Lagos to remain the first item on his political agenda.
For Rhodes-Vivour, the 2027 political calculation is therefore apparently simple: Atiku is his presidential candidate, Obi remains someone he says he has no personal problem with, and Lagos remains his first political love. The satire may be found in the unusual political choreography—supporting one former ally’s rival while insisting there is no quarrel—but the underlying issue is serious as Nigeria approaches another major electoral contest. With alliances continuing to shift and campaigns gathering momentum, Nigerians will be watching to see whether political friendships can survive electoral competition and whether Lagos voters ultimately agree with Rhodes-Vivour’s vision. Watch out for future updates on this developing political story on OGM News NG.
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