Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State has emerged winner of the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to The Nation, Rhodes-Vivour won against his closest rival, Silas, having scored 12,948 votes in the exercise that was held across the state.
In the contest, Silas received 6,183 votes.
The primary election was peaceful and transparent, with party stakeholders and supporters taking part, observers said.
Heavy turnout was recorded at the polling units in some parts of the state.
Rhodes-Vivour thanked party members and supporters for their support after he was declared winner.
The result was a victory for his political movement, he said.
“I want to thank every supporter sincerely who came out and voted en masse 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 stated that the movement would continue to push for what he called accountable leadership and political transformation in Lagos State.
“The work has just begun. “Together, we will continue to build a movement that speaks to hope, progress and accountable leadership for our people,” he added.
Rhodes-Vivour dismissed the reports that he had lost the party’s ticket, and criticised what he described as “speculative narratives” in a follow-up reaction.
“I wish wishes were horses, I wish we could 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 that his support base remained intact despite efforts to undermine his victory.
Rhodes-Vivour quoted comedian Dave Chappelle: “When a hero falls, cowards rejoice. Nothing’s more satisfying to a coward than to see a brave guy go down.”
He also insisted 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 champion,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour also said his supporters had started celebrations even before the official declaration as they were confident of victory.
“The landslide victory was so certain since Friday that we began celebrations. “Last night we were officially declared victors in a landslide victory,” he said.
He concluded by sharing optimism about the 2027 governorship election, saying his movement would continue to triumph in the face of the challenges.
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