Rhodes-Vivour Draws The Line: Why Teaming Up With APC Is Out Of The Question

Former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has expressed his support for a coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he made it clear that such a coalition must exclude the APC at both state and federal levels.

Speaking during an interview with News Central on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour, a prominent Labour Party figure, accused the APC of being the root cause of governance failure in Lagos.

“I’m fully in support of a coalition, but certainly not with the APC. I’ve always maintained this position because I believe the APC’s governance style in Lagos is directly responsible for the suffering and mismanagement that many residents endure. It’s not something I can be a part of,” he stated.

Rhodes-Vivour also dismissed the notion that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC are indistinguishable, pointing out that PDP has never governed Lagos. He referenced the late Funsho Williams as the closest PDP ever came to power in the state.

“I don’t agree that PDP and APC are the same, especially not in Lagos. That’s why I initially joined PDP — they’ve never actually been in control of the state government. The closest was with Funsho Williams, and we all know how that ended.”

He emphasized the need for a coalition that would free Lagosians from the grip of political godfathers and ensure that public funds are used in the interest of the people.

“My goal is to help build a coalition strong enough to challenge and displace this current regime — to return governance to the people, free from backroom godfathers demanding their cut. If a coalition compromises that goal, then it’s not one I can support,” he added.