Politics

Your Allegation Baseless, Grow Up – APC Tells Rhodes-Vivour

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedSeptember 7, 2025

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour that the ruling party used state institutions to suppress opposition activities, telling him to “grow up.”

Rhodes-Vivour, who contested the 2023 governorship election under the Labour Party, accused the APC of sealing off a venue in Alimosho where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was billed to hold a meeting on Saturday.

He claimed that security agencies were deployed to frustrate the political gathering despite the ADC having secured the necessary approvals.

“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 posted on X.

However, speaking with The Whistler on Sunday, Lagos APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo dismissed the allegation as baseless.

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

“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 suggestions that the APC feels threatened by the ADC.

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

Meanwhile, Rhodes-Vivour has officially joined the ADC, declaring the need for a united opposition ahead of 2027.

“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 added.

He warned that political thuggery, if not addressed, would continue to hinder governance.

At the Alimosho event, Lagos ADC chairman George Ashiru described Rhodes-Vivour’s defection as a turning point for opposition unity.

The gathering, however, witnessed tension as suspected thugs attempted to disrupt proceedings.

The presence of police officers also raised concerns among supporters, but the Lagos State Police Command clarified that the deployment was for public safety and crime prevention.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.