Lagos 2027: Rhodes-Vivour Raises Constitutional Objection To Hamzat’s Candidacy

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has challenged the eligibility of his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Obafemi Hamzat, to contest the 2027 governorship election, citing an alleged oath of allegiance to a foreign country.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Rhodes-Vivour made the claim on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he discussed the issue of dual citizenship and its implications for political eligibility.

Rhodes-Vivour argued that there is an important distinction between a person acquiring dual citizenship by birth and an adult voluntarily obtaining citizenship of another country. According to him, individuals who acquire foreign citizenship as adults may be required to undergo a formal naturalisation process that includes an oath of allegiance.

He maintained that Hamzat’s alleged oath of allegiance should be considered in determining his eligibility to contest the Lagos governorship election.

Rhodes-Vivour said the oath involves a commitment to the foreign country and argued that this raises constitutional questions about whether someone who has made such a declaration can seek election as governor of a Nigerian state.

His position centres on Section 182 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that a person is not qualified for election as governor if the individual has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of another country or, subject to exceptions prescribed by the National Assembly, has made a declaration of allegiance to another country.

Rhodes-Vivour said the distinction between citizenship acquired automatically at birth and citizenship voluntarily obtained later in life should not be overlooked when considering the matter.

The ADC candidate’s comments come as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election. The ADC recently unveiled Rhodes-Vivour as its governorship candidate for the election.

The claim regarding Hamzat’s alleged foreign oath of allegiance remains Rhodes-Vivour’s position as presented in the interview, while any determination of a candidate’s constitutional eligibility would depend on the applicable law and the relevant electoral or judicial process.