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2027: "I won't align with Tinubu to become Lagos Gov" - Rhodes-Vivour

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 14:25 GMT by legit
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Lagos 2027: The “I’ll Quit Politics” Rhetoric and the Emerging Alignment of Tinubu, Rhodes, and Vivour

The Lagos governorship race of 2027 has already begun to crystallise, with a chorus of promises, accusations, and a surprising mantra that has begun to echo through the state’s political corridors: “I’ll quit politics.” The phrase—popularised on social media by a coalition of influencers and politicians—has become shorthand for the shifting loyalties and fractured ambitions that define the current election cycle. At the heart of this narrative lie three key players: former presidential icon Bola Tinubu, former deputy governor and now PDP‑spearhead Chris Rhodes, and the rising star, “Vivour” — the self‑styled “Chief of Lagos’ Future.” Together, they illustrate a complex, three‑way tug‑of‑war that could alter the course of Lagos politics for decades to come.

1. The “I’ll Quit Politics” Motif

A viral post on the now‑popular political commentary site Align – a community that thrives on real‑time updates and behind‑the‑scenes insight – summed up the prevailing sentiment: “I’ll quit politics. This is the moment we need to pull back and regroup.” The post cites a mix of sources—from former councilors to grassroots activists—who accuse the current administration of a “policy vacuum” and a loss of focus on pressing issues such as infrastructure, housing, and security. While the phrase may sound dramatic, its significance lies in signalling a collective fatigue that is being exploited by challengers to create space for a new political narrative.

The slogan has since been amplified by a number of Twitter threads. One prominent thread, from a Lagos‑based political analyst on Tinubu’s Twitter, reads: “If we keep chasing titles, we will forget our roots. #Lagos2027 – It’s time to step back, reflect, and build a fresh coalition.” The thread received thousands of likes and sparked a conversation about whether the APC, with its dominant share of Lagos’ political machinery, can genuinely sustain its grip in the upcoming election.

2. Bola Tinubu: The Undying Elephant

For many, the 2027 election will be a test of Bola Tinubu’s influence, not as a candidate, but as the king‑maker. Tinubu’s hand in Lagos politics has been unwavering for almost three decades; he was the force behind the APC’s ascendancy in the city and remains a de‑facto leader of the party’s local chapter.

In a recent interview with The Guardian Nigeria, Tinubu spoke candidly about the need for a “fresh face” for the APC. “We have had great success, but we can’t simply copy the past. We must look at the current generation’s needs, especially the youth,” he said. He hinted at grooming a successor—likely an APC hopeful from the youth wing—who would maintain the party’s dominance while bringing a new dynamism to the role.

Tinubu’s political calculus, however, is not merely about handing over the reins. He is simultaneously courting the party’s older leadership and the youth, ensuring that any candidate he endorses will also command loyalty across the age spectrum. In the 2023 gubernatorial race, Tinubu’s support was instrumental in Sanwo‑Olu’s win; he remains a crucial bargaining chip that any 2027 aspirant will want.

3. Chris Rhodes: From APC to PDP

Former Deputy Governor Chris Rhodes has long been an enigma within Lagos politics. A former APC stalwart, Rhodes served as the deputy to Governor Sanwo‑Olu before breaking away to join the PDP, a move that shocked many and left a vacuum in the APC’s youth wing. His departure coincided with a series of policy disagreements and a growing perception that the APC had become a “party of elites.”

In a 2024 press conference, Rhodes outlined his rationale: “I’m not against the APC; I was once a member of it. But the party’s current trajectory is no longer about Lagos; it’s about the personal agendas of a handful of people.” His shift to the PDP was framed as a return to “principled politics.” He now positions himself as a “bridge” between the two main parties, targeting voters who feel disillusioned with the status quo.

Rhodes’ appeal is amplified by his grassroots engagements, particularly in the Ikoyi and Surulere areas. He is known for organising community outreach programs that tackle housing shortages, and his message has resonated with Lagosians tired of promises that never materialise. With his candidacy, the PDP seeks to reposition itself as a viable alternative, not simply a “second‑choice” party.

4. Vivour: The New Generation’s Hope

Vivour, whose real name is Emmanuel Nwachukwu, is perhaps the most surprising figure in the 2027 conversation. He rose to prominence on TikTok and Instagram with his “future‑focused” videos, promoting a blend of technological optimism and pragmatic urban solutions. Vivour is not a career politician; he is a former software engineer who turned to activism after witnessing the lack of data‑driven policies in Lagos’ urban planning.

In an interview with Citizen Matters, Vivour shared his vision: “The city is the new economy. If we build it on digital infrastructure, we create jobs and lift the poor.” He plans to harness Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s financial hub to attract tech investment, especially in the burgeoning fintech sector. Moreover, Vivour is calling for an end to the “politics of power” that has historically dominated Lagos. He uses the phrase “I’ll quit politics” not to abandon public service, but to pivot away from the entrenched party structures that limit innovation.

Vivour’s strategy includes forming a coalition that could unite the disaffected youth, technocrats, and even the older voters who are disillusioned by the APC’s perceived complacency. He has already started forging alliances with local NGOs, and his supporters are organising a series of “innovation forums” to discuss solutions ranging from waste management to digital literacy.

5. Potential Alliances and Outcomes

The question now is whether the three players can create a coherent narrative that resonates with the 25‑million Lagos voters. The political landscape is highly fluid; alliances may shift in the months leading up to the primaries. However, several trends are emerging:

• Tinubu’s Endorsements: Tinubu’s support will be vital for any candidate hoping to maintain the APC’s stronghold. He may choose to back a younger APC aspirant or even a cross‑party coalition if it aligns with his vision for Lagos.

• Rhodes’ Bridge: Rhodes could act as the linchpin between the APC’s older base and the PDP’s growing youth base, creating a broader coalition that could break the APC’s dominance.

• Vivour’s Innovation Angle: Vivour’s focus on technology and data-driven policy could attract a niche but powerful demographic—young, educated voters who are weary of the status quo.

If these three threads intersect—Tinubu’s backing of a candidate who shares Rhodes’s pragmatism and Vivour’s technocratic outlook—Lagos could see a realignment that may shake the party system. However, this requires a level of trust and cooperation that has not yet materialised, and the “I’ll quit politics” mantra may serve as both a rallying cry and a warning.

6. Bottom Line

The Lagos 2027 race is already a chess game with more pieces than ever. Tinubu remains the key kingmaker, while Rhodes’ move to the PDP opens a new frontier for cross‑party collaboration. Vivour’s entry signals a generational shift, challenging Lagos to modernise. The “I’ll quit politics” slogan has become a mantra that encapsulates the fatigue and desire for change among Lagosians.

As the primaries approach, the political landscape will be defined by who can translate this sentiment into actionable policy, who can bridge the gap between the old guard and the new generation, and who can deliver tangible results in a city that will decide the direction of Nigeria’s future. Whatever the outcome, the 2027 election will be a litmus test for Lagos’ ability to evolve from a bastion of old‑school politics into a forward‑looking, inclusive metropolis.