Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate in the 2023 Lagos State governorship elections, has announced his intention to contest the 2027 governorship race in the state. Despite his defeat by the incumbent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rhodes-Vivour’s resolve remains unshaken. In a candid interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today, he revealed his plan to continue his pursuit of the Lagos Governorship seat in the next election cycle, affirming that his political ambition is far from over.
“By God’s grace, yes, I will be running for governor again in 2027,” Rhodes-Vivour said firmly when asked about his political future in Lagos. “We cannot afford to let this state fall further into the hands of those who are only interested in serving their own interests. It is time for change.”
Rhodes-Vivour, who has positioned himself as a strong advocate for the working class and a critic of both the APC-led government and the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, has remained vocal on issues affecting Lagosians and Nigerians at large. However, his declaration of intent for 2027 was met with a question that has been on many minds: under which political platform will he run?
Though he stopped short of confirming whether he would stick with the Labour Party or seek a different party, GRV stressed the importance of building a strong political movement.
“For now, my priority is to ensure that the Labour Party remains strong and united. The reality is, without a unified opposition, it will be very difficult to defeat the current ruling parties in this state. But if there is an opportunity to form a broader coalition for the future of Lagos, I’m open to discussions,” he explained.
Rhodes-Vivour’s 2023 run garnered significant attention, especially among young voters and those disillusioned with the APC’s governance. While he lost to Sanwo-Olu, his campaign highlighted several key issues, including the rising cost of living, infrastructural decay, and the exclusion of the masses from the decision-making processes in the state.
However, as Nigeria grapples with economic hardships under President Bola Tinubu’s government, Rhodes-Vivour’s critique extends beyond just Lagos. He sharply criticized the economic reforms of the president, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy and the controversial floating of the naira, which has sparked a national debate.
“The economic reforms that have been implemented are hurting the ordinary Nigerian more than they are helping,” Rhodes-Vivour stated, pointing to the skyrocketing inflation and the impact of the removal of the fuel subsidy on transportation and everyday life.
“The people are experiencing unprecedented hardship. Today, over 70 percent of their income is spent on transportation and food alone. The average Nigerian is yet to think about how they will afford accommodation. This is the reality that people are facing,” he lamented.
While President Tinubu has promised that inflation will drop to 15 percent in 2025, Rhodes-Vivour remains skeptical, suggesting that the government’s reforms have primarily benefitted the elite rather than the masses.
“The real beneficiaries of these reforms are the bankers, government officials, and the president’s close allies,” he said. “How many Nigerians can honestly say they are benefiting from any of these reforms? The only thing that seems to be benefiting them is the culture of wastefulness and extravagance among those in power. These are people who are clearly out of touch with the reality of the average citizen.”
As Nigeria’s inflation rate soared to 34.6 percent in November 2023, the country has faced one of its most challenging economic crises in recent memory. The sharp devaluation of the naira, which saw the currency exchange rate jump, coupled with the removal of the fuel subsidy, has left millions of Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
In Lagos, which is Nigeria’s commercial hub and the most populous state, the economic toll is particularly severe. Lagosians have had to grapple with high transportation costs, inflation-driven price hikes, and a lack of social services. With a population that exceeds 20 million, the demand for housing, jobs, and infrastructure is ever-growing.
“Lagos deserves better. The status quo cannot continue,” Rhodes-Vivour continued, urging residents to hold their elected officials accountable. “I am determined to be part of the solution. We cannot allow Lagos to be run solely by people who only care about their own pockets. If elected, I will work to restore the state’s focus on the people.”
While many believe Rhodes-Vivour’s ambition may face an uphill battle in a state dominated by APC control, the LP candidate remains hopeful that a broader coalition can emerge in time for the 2027 election. With Nigeria’s political landscape constantly evolving, alliances between opposition parties may hold the key to challenging the entrenched power structures.
“The days of playing politics without a clear mandate from the people are over,” Rhodes-Vivour asserted. “It is time for Lagosians to take their destiny into their own hands.”
The announcement has sparked conversations across the state, with many supporters rallying behind Rhodes-Vivour’s stance on unity and reform. However, questions remain about the viability of his plan to unite a fractured opposition. For now, the next four years will be critical in shaping the political fortunes of the Labour Party and Rhodes-Vivour’s ambitions.
As Lagos continues to battle with the socio-economic consequences of national policies and the failure to address basic infrastructure and service delivery, GRV’s 2027 vision offers a glimmer of hope for those yearning for a new direction.
Political analysts believe that if Rhodes-Vivour can navigate the internal divisions within the opposition and build a coalition capable of challenging the APC, Lagos may see a highly competitive gubernatorial race in 2027. But for now, the road to Lagos’ top job remains filled with challenges.
In the coming months, the spotlight will be on whether the Labour Party and other opposition groups can form a formidable challenge to the APC’s stranglehold on power in the state, and whether Rhodes-Vivour’s message of change can resonate with a population increasingly frustrated with the status quo.
For now, though, Rhodes-Vivour remains unshaken in his determination.
“I’ll run again, and I won’t back down. It’s time for the people to take control of Lagos,” he said in conclusion.
