I won’t Compromise Principles for Power,Says Rhodes -Vivour

 

 

I won’t compromise principles for power, says Rhodes-Vivour

 

Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has ruled out any form of alliance with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, declaring that he would not compromise his principles for political gain.

 

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Rhodes-Vivour described aligning with Tinubu as “a complete waste of time,” stressing that his political mission was to serve Lagosians and restore the state’s lost glory.

 

“I will rather go and focus on my business, my work, and my family. The reason why we are in politics is to make the lives of Lagosians better; it is to restore Lagos to its old glory — glory that many may not fully appreciate today, given the history and greatness the state once had,” he said.

 

Rhodes-Vivour, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), explained that his decision was to provide a credible alternative to the ruling party in Lagos. He added that Lagos could only progress if the dominance of what he termed “agberocracy” was dismantled, noting that any political structure that hinders the proper management of the state’s commonwealth for the people’s benefit was not worth his time.

 

The architect and entrepreneur rose to prominence during the 2023 governorship election, where he ran as the Labour Party’s candidate and mounted a strong challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Though unsuccessful at the polls, his campaign gained traction among youths and reform-minded voters, positioning him as one of the most formidable opposition figures in Lagos politics.

 

The former governorship candidate disclosed that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, was aware of his move to the ADC. Asked whether he would contest again in 2027 on the platform of his new party, he replied, “By God’s grace.”

 

Rhodes-Vivour maintained that his focus remained on principled politics, saying he would not pursue power at all costs but would rather seek leadership that reflects service, accountability, and a better deal for Lagosians.