Rhodes-Vivour Explains Strategy for 2027 Lagos Governorship Race Without Peter Obi Effect
Former Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has outlined how he intends to approach the 2027 governorship race, saying his campaign will not depend on the so-called Peter Obi effect that shaped parts of the 2023 electoral landscape in Lagos.
Speaking during a recent media engagement, Rhodes-Vivour said the political environment ahead of 2027 would be different from that of 2023 and that his strategy would focus on sustained grassroots mobilisation, community engagement, and policy-based conversations with residents across the state. He argued that long-term political organisation was necessary to build a stronger and broader support base.
Rhodes-Vivour, who contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party, acknowledged the enthusiasm generated by Peter Obi’s presidential campaign during the last election cycle. However, he maintained that future electoral success in Lagos would require direct engagement with voters on issues affecting their daily lives, including transportation, housing, education, healthcare, security, and job creation.
According to him, his team has continued to maintain contact with supporters, volunteers, professional groups, market associations, youth organisations, and community leaders since the last election. He said the objective is to strengthen local structures and develop practical policy proposals that respond to the needs of Lagos residents rather than relying primarily on national political trends.
The former candidate also stressed the importance of building alliances across different political, social, and civic groups. He noted that effective collaboration among stakeholders could help create a competitive platform capable of challenging established political structures in the state ahead of the 2027 contest.
Political analysts say Rhodes-Vivour’s comments reflect a broader debate within opposition circles about how to convert the momentum of the 2023 elections into durable grassroots organisation. Observers note that Lagos remains one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states, making early positioning by potential contenders closely watched by party members and voters alike.
With more than a year before major campaign activities are expected to intensify, Rhodes-Vivour said his immediate focus remains on expanding engagement across local communities and promoting discussions around governance and development. He expressed confidence that a sustained grassroots approach would allow him to compete effectively in the 2027 Lagos governorship race regardless of changing national political dynamics.
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