Rhodes-Vivour to Campaign in Yoruba for Lagos 2027 Election

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Lagos governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declared his intention to conduct his campaign in Yoruba for the upcoming 2027 governorship election during an interview on Arise TV. This decision comes in light of past criticisms regarding his inability to speak Yoruba, particularly after a 2023 interview where he stated he did not “think in Yoruba.” Rhodes-Vivour mentioned that he has since engaged a Yoruba teacher to learn the language, recognizing the significance of language and culture in connecting with voters.

Despite this focus, he stressed that his campaign would also address broader issues affecting all Lagos residents, such as flooding, housing, and traffic, which he believes transcend ethnic and linguistic boundaries. He stated, “All of us are going to hear the smell,” referring to the collective experience of these challenges faced by Lagosians.