Former Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, popularly known as GRV, on Sunday confirmed he will run for governor of Lagos State again in 2027, telling supporters that he intends to “finish the job we started in 2023.”
Rhodes-Vivour made the declaration during a town hall meeting in Ikeja with members of his campaign structure and civil society allies. The event, streamed live on YouTube and X, drew thousands of viewers within the first hour. “I am running for governor of Lagos State in 2027,” he said to cheers. “The Lagos we want is possible. The work we began is not complete. We are coming back, stronger and better prepared.”
The 2023 Run and Aftermath
GRV was the Labour Party candidate in the March 2023 Lagos governorship election, where he polled 312,329 votes to finish second behind APC’s Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who scored 762,134 votes. The election was marred by reports of voter suppression, violence in parts of Lagos, and ethnic rhetoric that GRV and his supporters said targeted non-Yoruba residents.
Since then, Rhodes-Vivour has remained politically active, touring LGAs, speaking on urban policy, and challenging the state government on issues ranging from demolition of markets to water access. He has also built a policy unit that publishes monthly “Lagos Alternatives” memos on transport, housing, and taxation.
“2023 showed us what was possible when Lagosians believe,” he said Sunday. “It also showed us the gaps — in mobilisation, in protection of voters, in structure. We have spent two years closing those gaps.”
Platform for 2027
GRV laid out four pillars for his 2027 campaign: housing, water, transport, and youth jobs. He promised a “Lagos Rent-to-Own Scheme” targeting 100,000 units in four years, a “Water for All” project to revive public waterworks, and an integrated ferry-rail-bus card to cap daily transport costs at ₦1,500 for workers.
On governance, he vowed to end “agbero taxation” and replace it with a “digital levy system run by the state, not touts.” He also pledged to publish all state contracts above ₦50 million online within 72 hours of award.
“Lagos has the money. Lagos has the talent. What Lagos lacks is a government that trusts its people,” he said. “We will run a government that shows workings.”
Party Question
Rhodes-Vivour did not confirm which party he will run under. He won the Labour Party ticket in 2023 but has had a strained relationship with the LP state chapter since then. Asked Sunday if he would return to LP, he said: “We are in talks with all platforms that believe in a new Lagos. The people’s interest will decide the vehicle, not the other way around.”
Political watchers say he has three options: reconcile with LP, join PDP, or run under a new coalition. The ADC, which protested at INEC today, has courted him publicly. PDP Lagos chairman Philip Aivoji told reporters last week that the party’s “door is open” to GRV.
APC and State Government Reaction
The Lagos State Government did not issue a formal response on Sunday. However, APC Lagos Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo dismissed the declaration as “premature noise.” “Governor Sanwo-Olu is in his second term and focused on delivery. 2027 is far. Lagosians will judge based on performance, not promises,” Oladejo said.
The declaration comes on a volatile day for APC. A rival faction emerged in Abuja, declaring a new national chairman, and several APC chieftains resigned in Enugu. GRV referenced the turmoil, saying: “When the ruling party is fighting itself, it’s because the people are waking up.”
The Road to 2027
INEC is expected to release the 2027 election timetable late this year, with party primaries likely in Q2 2026. At 43, Rhodes-Vivour will be banking on youth voters, Lagos’ large non-indigene population, and middle-class professionals frustrated by the cost of living.
Analysts say his biggest hurdles are the structure and security of the votes. “He proved he can get the numbers,” said Dr Motunrayo Alaka of WSCIJ. “The question is whether he can protect them on election day. That’s what 2027 will test.”
GRV closed his speech with a direct pitch: “If you were with us in 2023, come back. If you doubted us, watch us. Lagos deserves better, and together, we will win it.”
