By Micah Jonah
March 23, 2026
A former Lagos State governorship aspirant and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has described governance in Lagos State as a “military democracy”, marked by lawlessness and the suppression of dissent.
Speaking exclusively to Micah Jonah, Rhodes-Vivour criticized the recent home demolitions in the state, describing them as an abuse of citizens’ rights and a reflection of a government drunk on power. According to him, the current state of affairs in Lagos did not start overnight but has evolved from the violent suppression of youths during #EndSARS to intimidation of voters in the 2023 elections, and now includes police-backed demolitions. He highlighted that many residents had valid court orders restraining the government from demolishing their homes, yet these orders were ignored. Residents were offered paltry sums as compensation, beaten when they protested, and even tear-gassed. He said Lagos has become a military democracy where even law enforcers act lawlessly, and warned that this abuse of power threatens the rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
Rhodes-Vivour also addressed the role of opposition politics in Nigeria, stressing that the ADC is the only real opposition capable of mobilizing and empowering citizens. While other parties, including the PDP, have largely failed to rise to the occasion, the ADC has remained active, engaging communities at the grassroots and speaking up against injustices. He said opposition should serve as a tool for the people, not merely a platform for politicians to gain recognition, adding that the collective strength of the people is key to holding the government accountable.
On concerns that Nigeria is drifting into a one-party state, Rhodes-Vivour revealed that the APC’s strategy involves offering sign-on bonuses to governors who join the party, using intimidation, and ensuring that opposition voices are weakened, leaving the people to bear the burden of governance failures. He warned that the 2027 election will be a battle between Nigerians and the APC, emphasizing the need for collective resistance against such political manipulation.
When asked about his vision for Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour painted a picture of an inclusive, people-first city where wealth serves the citizens, not the political elite. He stressed that the government should focus on education, healthcare, skill acquisition, transportation, housing, and innovative solutions such as using locally made drones to fight fires in high-rise buildings. He advocated for preventive health programs at the ward level to support the elderly, transport subsidies for those over 65, and local youth empowerment initiatives to turn idle young men into productive members of society. Rhodes-Vivour said a functional Lagos should be well connected, reducing pressure on central districts, and ensuring that citizens across all divisions, including Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, and Badagry, can access opportunities and live comfortably.
On his personal political ambitions, Rhodes-Vivour confirmed that his hat is always in the ring for 2027. Following his defeat in the 2023 elections, he took his case to the Supreme Court and has since continued to engage communities and strengthen his base.
Reflecting on his departure from the Labour Party, he explained that persistent court battles and political distractions left the platform unstable for building a lasting political aspiration. He emphasized the need for a party that provides a stable foundation to pursue meaningful governance reforms.
In conclusion, Rhodes-Vivour urged the ADC to see itself as a stone, with the people as David, highlighting that politics should revolve around humility, engagement, collective action. He stated that only by empowering Nigerians, holding the government accountable, and challenging the APC at every level can real change be achieved. His vision for Lagos and the 2027 elections underscores a commitment to citizens’ rights, inclusion, and a government that truly serves the people, signaling that the fight for a fair and people-centered democracy is far from over.
