Politics
LAGOS 2027: GRV SAYS HE WILL CAMPAIGN IN YORUBA
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, has said he plans to campaign in Yoruba ahe...
By Wavers Multimedia
Rhodes-Vivour made the disclosure during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while responding to questions about his ability to speak the language.
The issue of language became a notable part of discussions surrounding his 2023 governorship campaign after comments attributed to him about not “thinking in Yoruba” drew attention.
GRV SAYS HE HAS BEEN LEARNING YORUBA
Speaking about his preparations for the next election, Rhodes-Vivour said he has taken steps to improve his knowledge of Yoruba.
He said he now has a Yoruba teacher and described language and culture as important elements of his engagement with Lagos residents.
Rhodes-Vivour stated that he intends to use Yoruba during his campaign for the 2027 election.
CANDIDATE SHIFTS FOCUS TO LAGOS CHALLENGES
While acknowledging the importance of language and culture, Rhodes-Vivour said the issues affecting Lagos residents extend beyond ethnic or linguistic differences.
He pointed to flooding, housing and traffic as some of the challenges he believes affect residents across the state.
According to him, these problems have consequences for Lagosians regardless of their language or background.
He said his interest was in working toward a Lagos where residents would no longer have to contend with problems such as flooding, housing difficulties and traffic.
RHODES-VIVOUR'S 2023 ELECTION RECORD
Rhodes-Vivour contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election as the candidate of the Labour Party.
He finished second behind the incumbent governor at the time, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress.
He is now seeking the Lagos governorship ticket under the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 election.