The race for Lagos State’s 2027 governorship has intensified following a sharp intervention by former Lagos State Chairman of the Labour Party, Olukayode Salako.
In a strongly worded statement, Salako launched a scathing personal and political attack on the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Gbadebo Chinedu Rhodes-Vivour (CRV), describing him as “a misfit” who should not be allowed to govern Lagos.
Salako, who said he worked closely with Rhodes-Vivour during the 2023 campaigns, insisted his criticisms stem from direct experience rather than hearsay. He accused the former candidate of arrogance, tribalism, dishonesty toward political associates, lack of empathy, and political immaturity.
“Gbadebo, as I knew him before working to secure his emergence as our party’s candidate in 2023, is my political boy, in whom I am never well pleased,” Salako declared.
He further claimed Rhodes-Vivour lacks the temperament, cultural understanding, mental preparedness, operational capacity, and leadership qualities required to govern a complex, cosmopolitan state like Lagos.
“I worked closely with him, and I know enough about him to speak from personal experience, rather than tell Lagosians fables about his abilities and personal character,” Salako said. He warned that handing power to Rhodes-Vivour could create serious problems for the state, adding: “He would, in my view, create serious problems for the state, and Lagosians might regret it if he were mistakenly given the opportunity to govern Lagos for any reason.”
Salako described Rhodes-Vivour as “childish” and “mentally unprepared” for the sensitive responsibility of leading Lagos, concluding firmly: “He is a misfit, who must not happen to Lagos!”
Endorsement of Hamzat
While criticising Rhodes-Vivour, Salako openly endorsed former Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the better-prepared candidate. He said comparing the two men was “like placing life and death on the same weighing scale” and described Hamzat as “the perfect, virtuous and best choice” who would emerge as the next governor of Lagos.
The Name Controversy
Salako also drew attention to what he called a shift in Rhodes-Vivour’s public identity. He noted that the politician’s 2019 PDP senatorial campaign poster used the name “Chinedu Rhodes-Vivour,” while the 2023 Labour Party governorship campaign prominently featured “Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.” Salako said this discrepancy should form part of public scrutiny ahead of 2027.
The statement comes amid growing political realignments as the 2027 elections approach. Salako urged Lagosians to carefully examine the character, records, temperament, and capacity of all aspirants before casting their votes.
Note: The allegations contained in Salako’s statement are his personal assessments and claims. Rhodes-Vivour has not yet publicly responded to the remarks in the statement reviewed.
