Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 elections, has sharply criticized the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging they disproportionately benefit the president’s allies while ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of the hardships.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour expressed concerns over the impact of key reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira. He argued that these measures have exacerbated the economic struggles of average Nigerians.
“The people are experiencing unprecedented hardship,” he said. “Today, over 70% of people’s income is spent on transportation and food. They have not even started to think about how they can afford accommodation.”
Rhodes-Vivour claimed that the beneficiaries of these policies are limited to a select group of elites. “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?” he asked.
The LP candidate also criticized what he described as a “culture of wastefulness and extravagance” within the government, which he said contrasts sharply with the economic austerity measures being imposed on Nigerians.
Plans for 2027 Governorship Election
When asked about his political future, Rhodes-Vivour confirmed his intention to run for the Lagos governorship in the 2027 elections. “By God’s grace, yes,” he affirmed, signaling his continued commitment to public service.
However, he stressed the importance of a united opposition to counter what he described as a “full state capture” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “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,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour emphasized the need for strategic alliances among opposition parties to effectively challenge the APC’s dominance in Nigeria’s political system. He also highlighted his immediate focus on strengthening the Labour Party to position it as a formidable force in the country’s political landscape.
“For now, my job is to ensure that I have a strong party—the Labour Party,” he concluded.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
Rhodes-Vivour’s remarks are likely to spark further debate about the fairness and effectiveness of President Tinubu’s reforms, which have faced mixed reactions across the country. His call for opposition unity could also reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics as the 2027 elections approach.
