In a bold statement on December 9, 2024, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Lagos State governorship in the 2023 elections, declared his intention to run for governor again in 2027.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on Gold Room, hosted by Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, Rhodes-Vivour explained his decision to re-enter the political fray and highlighted the changes he plans to bring to the Lagos political landscape.
“We are working. By God’s grace, I will run for governorship again in 2027,” he said confidently. “We gained a lot of traction, saw our mistakes, and we are working on that.”
Rhodes-Vivour’s 2023 run, though unsuccessful, stirred significant attention, and he believes his campaign has learned from its setbacks. His commitment to improving the state was clear, as he emphasized the lessons he and his team had drawn from their experience in the last election.
One of the key issues Rhodes-Vivour discussed was the trend of opposition parties falling into silence after elections, a problem he believes has plagued Lagos politics for years. In his view, opposition groups often vanish after the polls, leaving citizens without any challenge to the sitting government.
“The biggest mistake that has happened in Lagos politics is after elections, the opposition goes quiet. That is not happening this time,” he said. “We are in people’s faces, and we will not be silent.”
Rhodes-Vivour’s words reflect his determination to remain an active voice in Lagos politics, even while the official campaigns for the 2027 election are yet to begin. He underscored the importance of being present in the community and holding the current administration accountable for its actions.
“Just being up-to-date with current affairs and holding the government accountable is crucial,” he said. “We will call out the government when they are spending our money in extravagant ways, regardless of the suffering that Nigerians are dealing with.”
Rhodes-Vivour’s drive for accountability was a central theme throughout the interview. He emphasized the need for transparency and the efficient use of public funds, especially given the current economic challenges facing the state.
In a pointed critique of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, he called for more responsible management of Lagos’ finances. “With the level of suffering that Nigerians are dealing with, Lagosians are suffering too,” Rhodes-Vivour said. “We need to have accountability and transparency, and our government must use our money in the most efficient way possible.”
His focus on accountability ties into a broader theme of governance that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary Lagosians. Rhodes-Vivour is keen to ensure that opposition parties play a role in shaping public policy by holding the government to task.
As part of his ongoing work, Rhodes-Vivour has initiated health outreach programs in Lagos to directly assist residents. The Labour Party leader has introduced a micro health insurance plan that offers up to N6,000 worth of free treatment to those in need across the state. This initiative is part of his broader effort to remain visible in Lagos politics, even outside of formal campaign periods.
“We are doing our best in terms of health outreaches,” Rhodes-Vivour stated. “We have a micro health insurance plan that we’re taking all across the state, where people can get treatment of up to N6,000 for free.”
This health initiative underscores Rhodes-Vivour’s focus on practical solutions to the pressing issues faced by the people of Lagos, including access to healthcare and social services.
The political scene in Lagos has been characterized by a stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in recent years, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu securing a second term in 2023. However, the LP’s growing influence, particularly among younger voters, has forced the ruling party to confront a rising challenge to its dominance.
Rhodes-Vivour’s push for transparency and good governance comes at a time when there are widespread concerns about the allocation of public funds in Lagos. Many residents have voiced their frustrations over issues such as high living costs, poor infrastructure, and inadequate social services.
For Rhodes-Vivour, the 2027 election presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo and present a government focused on the people’s needs, not just political power.
“The work of opposition is to call out the government,” he remarked, “and when opposition does that, then the people benefit.”
As the political race to 2027 begins, Rhodes-Vivour is setting the stage for what could be a highly competitive election. His clear stance on accountability, active involvement in community initiatives, and willingness to challenge the ruling party show that he is serious about making an impact in Lagos.