Former Lagos Labour Party governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian police of working together to intimidate opposition voices, alleging a deliberate attempt to create a one-party state in Lagos.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Rhodes-Vivour narrated how his formal declaration into a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Alimosho was violently disrupted by suspected APC thugs acting under police supervision.
“Yesterday was the culmination of a situation where the Nigerian police and thugs of the APC showed themselves to work hand in hand to disrupt and create a one-party state. Our event was meant to hold on Saturday at Lionfield in Alimosho. We paid for the space, got police permission, and announced the event,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour alleged that the disruption of his event was coordinated, revealing that after securing police clearance and paying for the venue, he was informed that the Lagos Commissioner of Police had barred the gathering.
“On Thursday, we got reports that the Commissioner of Police said our event could not hold. That night, APC chairmen and LCDA chairmen arrived with over 80 policemen, a black Maria, and several Hilux vehicles. They occupied the field and ordered us to cancel our event. I was told to meet the Commissioner of Police. I called and texted him repeatedly, but he never responded,” he said.
He disclosed that, despite paying for the field, the APC eventually held its rally there under full police protection.
“On Saturday, despite paying for the field, the APC held their rally there, fully protected by the police. We made alternative plans and moved our event to a church venue, keeping it secret to avoid disruptions. But while our people were assembling at the alternative field, policemen arrived, opened the gates, and allowed thugs to enter. We have videos of this happening,” he added.
Rhodes-Vivour described the attack as violent, revealing that several people were injured and property worth millions of naira was vandalised.
“My sister, the Director of the RV Foundation, was hit and had to be rushed to the hospital for stitches. My aide suffered a concussion and is bleeding from his ears. Buses we rented were vandalised, costing millions to repair. The police stood by and supervised the destruction,” he said.
He warned that continued intimidation of opposition supporters would eventually provoke resistance from frustrated Nigerians.
“There is no monopoly of violence, I stand by it. My sister is in the hospital, over 75 buses were destroyed, and innocent people were hurt. I’m saying it because people are frustrated and angry. Nigerians are not cowards. There is only so much young people can take before they push back,” Rhodes-Vivour declared.
Speaking about his decision to join a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rhodes-Vivour explained that the move was strategic, aimed at uniting opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Members of the Labour Party who believe in me have decided to join me in the coalition. This isn’t about abandoning the movement. The coalition is bringing together people from different blocs, including the ADC, SDP, and others, to unite against the ruling party,” he stated.
He disclosed that his decision had the blessing of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, stressing that their relationship remains intact.
“This move was discussed with Peter Obi. We are aligned and working together,” he added.
Rhodes-Vivour criticised the ruling APC for what he described as over two decades of mismanagement and the suppression of Lagosians’ rights.
“My fight is local. I cannot join the APC because of what they have done to Lagos. For over 20 years, the APC has captured the state, used violence to intimidate opposition, and mismanaged our commonwealth.
Look at our roads, our streetlights, and our infrastructure. Look at how Lagos’s resources are used for private political gains. Properties have been taken without proper compensation, billions have been misappropriated, and systemic extortion affects even bus drivers,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour stressed that the coalition’s aim is to consolidate opposition support into a single bloc capable of challenging APC’s dominance nationally.
“Nigeria is at a critical point, and we cannot afford to fragment opposition votes. The coalition provides a platform where parties, policies, and ideas converge to choose the best candidates. We aim to ensure the 2027 election becomes a two-horse race between the APC and the coalition,” he explained.
He added that his focus is on mobilising grassroots support across Lagos and uniting political stakeholders ahead of the next general elections.
“My focus is on strengthening the coalition, uniting different political blocs, and mobilising grassroots support across divisions in Lagos. We’re organising talks, engaging stakeholders, and building a structure capable of challenging APC’s dominance,” Rhodes-Vivour said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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