Tinubu Lacks 2027 Re-election Path; Plotting to Be Sole Candidate, Alleges Rhodes-Vivour

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a key member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu possesses no discernible path to victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today program, Rhodes-Vivour stated that his assessment is based on what he described as reliable polling data.

"We have credible polling data that indicates there is no pathway for the president to win," Rhodes-Vivour remarked. "This is why we are observing all these questionable activities."

He further elaborated, "There is no pathway for him. When you consider the Northern region, which contributed 62 per cent of his votes, you can observe the significant shift occurring there. The president has established a governmental structure that solely benefits a select group, effectively a 'city boys' administration. It's not even a broadly representative government for the South-West; his cronies are essentially in control."

Rhodes-Vivour also accused the presidency of actively interfering in the internal affairs of opposition parties, including the ADC. He alleged that this strategy is designed to undermine political rivals in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

"Therefore, the most effective strategy available is to engineer a situation where he becomes the sole candidate on the presidential ballot. This is precisely what they are attempting to accomplish, though I do not believe they will be successful," he stated.

These remarks come in the wake of considerable controversy surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The commission recently removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the ADC from its official portal, citing a court order to maintain the existing status quo.

The ADC has publicly refuted INEC's actions, contending that the commission has misinterpreted the court's ruling. In response, party leaders convened a press conference and subsequently organized a "Save Nigeria Democracy" demonstration outside INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The protest saw the presence of notable political figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Aminu Tambuwal, among others. They were joined by hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.