Dare Babalola
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has emerged winner of the party’s primary election ahead of the 2027 governorship poll, defeating his closest rival, Silas.
Rhodes-Vivour secured a total of 12,948 votes to clinch the ADC ticket, while Silas polled 6,183 votes in a keenly contested exercise held with participation from party stakeholders and supporters across the state.
Observers described the primary as peaceful and transparent, with strong turnout recorded across voting centres.
Speaking after he was declared winner, Rhodes-Vivour expressed appreciation to party members and supporters for their backing, describing the outcome as a collective victory for the movement.
“I want to sincerely thank every supporter who rallied around this movement and came out en masse to vote. This victory belongs to all of us who believe in a better future,” he said.
He added that the task of political transformation had only just begun, urging party faithful and residents to remain united ahead of the general election.
“The work has only just begun. Together, we will continue to build a movement that represents hope, progress and accountable leadership for our people,” he said.
However, in a follow-up reaction to claims suggesting he had lost the party’s ticket, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed the reports, insisting that his political strength could not be determined through speculation or informal projections.
In a Monday statement, he rejected suggestions that electoral outcomes could be predicted through what he described as “Excel sheets.”
“If only wishes were horses, if only we could sit in our house and write results on Excel sheets to win elections,” he said.
He also addressed critics who had questioned his political standing, noting that moments of perceived setback often attract mockery, while insisting that his support base remains intact.
Quoting comedian Dave Chappelle, he said: “When a hero stumbles, cowards rejoice. Nothing feels better to a coward than to watch a brave guy fall.”
Despite the controversy, he maintained that the narratives do not reflect reality, insisting that his movement remains strong and resilient.
“But sorry to disappoint, that won’t be today. The people of Lagos know the name of their champion,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour further claimed that confidence within his camp had already translated into celebration following what he described as a decisive outcome.
“Since Friday the landslide victory was so definite that we had started celebrations. Last night we were officially declared victorious in a landslide victory,” he stated.
He concluded by reaffirming his optimism ahead of the 2027 election, saying his movement would continue to prevail “against any odds,” while attributing his confidence to divine support: “Glory be to God.”
