Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Lagos State governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC has emerged winner of the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Nation reported that Rhodes-Vivour scored 12,948 votes to defeat his closest rival, Silas, in the exercise conducted across the state.
Silas received 6,183 votes in the contest.
Party stakeholders and supporters took part in the primary election that was peaceful and transparent, observers said.
There were reports of heavy turnout at polling units in various parts of the state.
Rhodes-Vivour thanked the party members and supporters for their support after he was announced winner.
He called the result a collective victory for his political movement.
“I want to sincerely thank every supporter who came out and voted in droves and rallied around this movement. “This victory is for all of us that believe in a better future,” he said.
The former governorship candidate also said that the movement would continue to champion what he called accountable leadership and political transformation in Lagos State.
The work has only just begun. Together we will continue to build a movement that speaks to hope, progress and accountable leadership for our people,” he added.
In a follow-up reaction, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed reports that he had lost the party’s ticket, and criticised what he described as “speculative narratives.
“I wish wishes are horses, I wish we can sit in our house and write results on Excel sheets and win elections,” he said in a statement on Monday.
The politician also hit back at critics who questioned his political strength, insisting his support base remained intact despite attempts to undermine his victory.
Quoting comedian Dave Chappelle, Rhodes-Vivour said: “When a hero falls, cowards rejoice. To a coward, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a brave guy go down.”
He also maintained that the political momentum in his camp was still strong.
“But sorry to disappoint, not today. “The people of Lagos know the name of their hero,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour also said his supporters had begun celebrations even before the official declaration as they were confident of victory.
“The landslide victory was so certain since Friday that we started celebrations. “Last night we were officially announced victors in a landslide victory,” he said.
He ended by expressing optimism about the 2027 governorship election, saying his movement would continue to triumph in the face of the challenges.
