The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has argued that Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent deputy governor, should have been disqualified from the Lagos governorship race due to an alleged oath of allegiance he swore to the United States.
Rhodes-Vivour made this argument on Tuesday during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, where he also questioned the integrity of the 2023 governorship election in Lagos.
Allegations Against Hamzat
The eligibility question stems from testimony given in 2023 before the Lagos State governorship election petition tribunal. Olubusayo Fasidi, an immigration lawyer, testified that Hamzat had applied for US naturalisation and taken an oath of allegiance to the country. Fasidi clarified that she was invited specifically to explain US immigration law and was not conversant with Nigeria's constitutional provisions on dual citizenship.
Rhodes-Vivour said his legal team relied on Fasidi's testimony as part of their challenge to Hamzat's eligibility to stand for election. He argued that anyone holding or seeking public office in Nigeria must not simultaneously pledge loyalty to another country. He added that Hamzat could have renounced the alleged US allegiance before entering the race, citing the example of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who renounced his American citizenship before continuing in public life.
Rhodes-Vivour's Personal Stand
Rhodes-Vivour also pointed to his own background to illustrate his position, saying he had lived and studied abroad and had the option of acquiring citizenship in France, the United Kingdom or the United States but consciously chose not to. He said Nigerians deserve leaders whose loyalty to the country is undivided.
His comments come as Hamzat has secured the backing of President Bola Tinubu for the upcoming Lagos governorship election, having served as deputy governor under Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
2023 Election Under Fire
Beyond the citizenship question, Rhodes-Vivour repeated earlier criticisms of the 2023 Lagos governorship election, alleging that the poll was undermined by violence and voter intimidation. He did not provide new evidence for the claims during the television appearance but maintained that the process fell short of acceptable democratic standards.
The tribunal's 2023 proceedings had already drawn attention to the dual citizenship issue, with Fasidi's testimony highlighting the legal complexities surrounding Hamzat's eligibility. Rhodes-Vivour's renewed focus on the matter underscores the ongoing political debate in Lagos as the next governorship election approaches.
