The 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has disclosed that he received the approval of LP’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, before defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Rhodes-Vivour insisted that Lagos cannot be “pocketed by one man.”
When asked directly if Obi sanctioned his move, he replied,“Yes. Certainly. A representative of his was at the declaration on Saturday.
“Peter Obi and I are communicating, we are aligned. There is no step I am taking that he is not aware of.
“We have all agreed that the only way for the opposition to have a successful election is through a coalition. Regardless of where anybody may be at this time, we are working towards that aim.”
On whether he could challenge the dominance of President Bola Tinubu’s political structure in Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour said, “I don’t believe that Lagos belongs to one man.
“That is why my movement is called Our Lagos. Lagos is our shared responsibility; it is our home.
“The idea that Lagos belongs to one man is something I completely reject. The idea that our commonwealth can be commandeered by one man for over two decades is something I stand against.”
He further decried the state of infrastructure in Lagos, citing poor roads in Alimosho Local Government.
According to him, instead of delivering governance, local council chairmen use security operatives to suppress opposition activities.
“If they provided good governance, they wouldn’t be worried about the opposition or resorting to violence and intimidation.
“Violence is the last refuge of politicians,” he said.