By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Lagos State governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV) has announced his intention to contest in the 2027 gubernatorial elections. Rhodes-Vivour, who ran under the Labour Party (LP) in 2023 but lost to the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made his declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
When asked if he plans to join the 2027 race, Rhodes-Vivour confirmed, saying, “By God’s grace, yes.” However, he did not specify whether he would remain with the LP or contest under a different political party.
He emphasized the importance of unity among opposition parties, stating, “I believe that if all parties do not come together, it is going to be a waste of time running in 2027 because there is a full state capture happening in this country now. For now, my job is to ensure that I have a strong party – Labour Party.”
Critique of Tinubu’s Reforms
During the interview, Rhodes-Vivour also shared his views on the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Tinubu’s reforms, which include the removal of the fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, and proposed tax adjustments, have sparked widespread debate and criticism.
Rhodes-Vivour argued that these reforms disproportionately benefit government officials and allies of the President, leaving ordinary Nigerians to bear the brunt of economic hardship.
“The people are experiencing unprecedented hardship. Today, over 70 per cent of people’s income is spent on transportation and food. They’ve not even started to think about how they can afford accommodation,” he said.
He further criticized what he described as a culture of wastefulness and extravagance among those in power.
“We have a situation where there is a culture of wastefulness, extravagance that does not reflect the dire economic situation that the same President is pushing out that needs to be reformed,” he added.
Economic Concerns and Regional Tensions
Nigeria’s economic crisis, marked by inflation reaching 34.6% in November 2024, has intensified public discontent. While President Tinubu has expressed optimism, projecting inflation to drop to 15% by 2025, critics like Rhodes-Vivour remain skeptical about the tangible benefits of these policies for everyday Nigerians.
“The only people that seem to be benefitting from these reforms are maybe the bankers, the people in government, and the President’s friends. How many Nigerians can say they are benefitting from any reform right now?” Rhodes-Vivour questioned.
As the 2027 elections approach, Rhodes-Vivour’s declaration sets the stage for another closely watched contest in Lagos State, with debates on governance and economic policies likely to take center stage.
