Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Lagos election and a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating efforts to weaken opposition parties and compromise the electoral process ahead of future elections.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Rhodes-Vivour said his participation in a recent protest was aimed at drawing public attention to alleged “manipulation” involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“I was on the streets today to put pressure on INEC and the public, to let them know that we’re not going to sit back and watch rights be trampled upon or allow suppression tactics to continue,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that the ADC was responsible for its internal disputes, insisting that due process was followed in forming the party’s leadership. According to him, INEC officials were present during earlier proceedings.
“We have documents, including resignation letters and records of the process that produced the current leadership. INEC was part of that process. So how can there suddenly be a claim of a leadership vacuum?” he queried.
Rhodes-Vivour further alleged that recent actions were targeted at disrupting the party’s congresses and convention, with the aim of preventing it from fielding candidates in upcoming elections.
“The intention is clear to cripple our processes so we cannot produce candidates or participate effectively. That’s why we protested,” he stated.
He warned that such developments could stifle political competition and steer Nigeria toward what he described as a “one-man state.”
“If credible opposition figures are blocked from contesting and strict electoral timelines are exploited, you effectively eliminate competition and reduce the system to one controlled by a single interest,” he said.
Responding to claims that the opposition lacks grassroots support in Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour maintained that his political base has grown stronger since the 2023 election.
“I am stronger now than I was before. If they are confident in their popularity, they should allow a free and fair election,” he added.
He also addressed allegations of ethnic narratives during past campaigns, describing them as deliberate distractions from pressing governance concerns such as misuse of public funds, lack of accountability, and poor service delivery.
“These are diversions from the real issues misuse of public funds, lack of accountability, and poor governance affecting everyday Nigerians,” he said.
Calling on citizens to prioritise accountability and leadership quality, Rhodes-Vivour urged resistance against any attempt to manipulate the democratic process.
“We must return to a system that prioritises the people’s interests, not the interests of a few individuals,” he said, expressing confidence that voters would ultimately assert their will at the polls.
