Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has announced his intention to run for governor of Lagos in the 2027 elections.
Rhodes-Vivour, widely known as GRV, previously contested the 2023 Lagos governorship race under the Labour Party (LP), but lost to the incumbent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he expressed his determination to pursue his ambition to become Lagos State Governor, despite the 2023 setback. However, he did not specify whether he would remain with the LP or run under a different political party.
“By God’s grace, yes,” Rhodes-Vivour affirmed when asked if he would contest in the 2027 race.
He further emphasized the importance of unity within the opposition, stating, “If all parties do not come together, it will be a waste of time running in 2027 because there is a full state capture happening in this country now. We cannot afford the opposition to be divided. For now, my focus is to build a strong Labour Party.”
Critique of Tinubu’s reforms
During the interview, Rhodes-Vivour also shared his views on the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu since taking office in May 2023.
These reforms, which include the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira currency, have sparked widespread debate. Additionally, proposed tax reforms have created tensions between Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north and Christian south.
Despite Nigeria grappling with one of its worst economic crises, with inflation reaching 34.6% in November, Tinubu has projected a decrease to 15% by 2025. However, Rhodes-Vivour argued that the reforms have primarily benefited government insiders and the elite, rather than ordinary Nigerians.
“The people are facing unprecedented hardship,” he said. “Today, over 70% of people’s income goes toward transportation and food. They haven’t even begun to consider how they’ll afford housing.”
He criticized what he described as a culture of waste and extravagance among government officials, saying, “The only people benefiting from these reforms seem to be bankers, government insiders, and the President’s friends. How many Nigerians can honestly say they’re benefiting from any reform right now?”
