‘Grow Up’ – APC Chides Rhodes-Vivour Over Abuse Of Power Allegation

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at former gubernatorial candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, following his recent accusation that the ruling party is using state institutions to suppress opposition voices.

Rhodes-Vivour, who ran under the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 governorship election in the state, had alleged that a venue scheduled for an African Democratic Congress (ADC) meeting in the Alimosho area on Saturday was sealed off due to interference from the APC—a claim the party has denied.

He alleged that security agencies were deployed to frustrate what he says was a lawful political gathering, despite the ADC having secured all necessary approvals to use the venue.

“It is truly disappointing that the Lagos APC is abusing state institutions by sealing off the venue where the ADC was scheduled to hold a meeting tomorrow after obtaining the necessary approvals.

“This is not only an abuse of power, it is a clear attempt to stifle opposition voices in Lagos,” Rhodes-Vivour had stated in a post on X.

However, speaking with THE WHISTLER, Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, dismissed the allegation as baseless and advised Rhodes-Vivour to “grow up” and learn how to play politics.

He described the ADC and its leadership as disorganised and lacking political focus,

“The young man should grow up. He should learn how to play politics,” Oladejo told THE WHISTLER.

“He is moving from one mess to the other. From the confusion in the PDP to the disorganisation in the ADC, this has nothing to do with us. Is Rhodes-Vivour a threat that any one of us would want to waste our time paying attention to him? Of course, he is not.”

He also dismissed the suggestion that the APC feels threatened by the ADC’s rising profile in Lagos.

According to the APC spokesperson, the ruling party remains focused on delivering on its 2023 mandate, while the ADC is already prematurely gearing up for 2027.

“There is nothing to be jittery over,” Oladejo said. “We are not paying attention to them. We refuse to be distracted.”

Meanwhile, Rhodes-Vivour has officially joined the ADC, calling for a united opposition.

The announcement took place on Saturday in Alimosho Local Government Area.

Opposition leaders around the country have adopted ADC as a rallying point for a united opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Explaining his decision to join the ADC, Rhodes-Vivour emphasised the urgency of consolidating the opposition to challenge entrenched political structures.

According to him, the aim for the coalition is to rescue Nigeria.

“I am happy to become part of this family. I am looking forward to the union and governance that this party will bring to Nigerians. My prayer is that God will grant our leaders and the party’s structure the wisdom to come together and define a new path for our beloved country,” he said.

“This coalition is meant to rescue Nigeria. Since the 2023 elections, I have said we cannot afford to divide the opposition ahead of 2027. We must come together through a robust, strong coalition that can deliver Nigeria from those who hold power through thuggery, violence, and intimidation,” he said.

He warned that without addressing the normalisation of political thuggery, meaningful governance would remain out of reach for ordinary Nigerians.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos ADC Chairman George Ashiru hailed Rhodes-Vivour’s defection as a pivotal moment in building a broader movement.

But the event was nearly marred by tension as suspected political thugs reportedly tried to disrupt proceedings.

The presence of police officers at the venue also raised concerns among supporters, who questioned whether the deployment was for protection or intimidation.

Rhodes-Vivour clarified that the event was not a political rally, but a political meeting, adding that he would seek clarification from the Commissioner of Police on whether the officers were there to ensure safety or otherwise.

In response to the concerns, the state Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, dismissed claims of bias.

He stated that the presence of police personnel was strictly for public safety and crime prevention.

“The allegations by a section of a Political Party of the Police Personnel supporting one Political Party against the other is completely false,misleading and a disservice to the Lagos State Police Command.

“The Command deployed joint Police teams of conventional Police,the tactical squads and anti riot Police units to patrol the entire area of ALIMOSHO LGA and other parts of Lagos State for Crime Prevention and Control, and to nip in the bud any likely disturbance of Public peace and safety throughout the State,” Oluseyi said in a statement.

Rhodes-Vivour, who in 2023 enjoyed enormous support from Obidients – supporters of the former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of LP, Peter Obi — announced in December 2024 his intention to contest again the Lagos governorship election in 2027.

He lost to the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC, who secured 762,134 votes compared to his 312,329 votes.

As politicians begin to rally support ahead of the 2027 general elections, it will be interesting to see how he fares, especially amid growing speculation about a possible candidacy by Seyi Tinubu — son of President Bola Tinubu.

‘Grow Up’ – APC Chides Rhodes-Vivour Over Abuse Of Power Allegation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper