Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, popularly known as GRV, has announced his intention to contest the 2027 Lagos State governorship election. Rhodes-Vivour, who ran in 2023 under the Labour Party (LP) but lost to the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
When asked if he would participate in the next governorship race, Rhodes-Vivour confirmed, saying, “By God’s grace, yes.” He emphasised the need for a united opposition to challenge what he described as a “full state capture” in Nigeria.
“I believe that if all parties do not come together, it is going to be a waste of time running in 2027. For now, my job is to ensure that I have a strong party – Labour Party,” he stated, though he did not confirm whether he would remain with the LP for his 2027 campaign.
During the interview, Rhodes-Vivour also shared his views on some of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu since assuming office in May 2023. The abolition of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and proposed tax reforms have drawn both praise and criticism.
Rhodes-Vivour argued that these reforms have primarily benefited the elites while leaving ordinary Nigerians to bear the brunt of hardship.
“The people are experiencing unprecedented hardship. 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 also criticised the government for what he termed a “culture of wastefulness” that fails to reflect the economic realities faced by citizens.
“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 questioned.
With inflation at 34.6% in November and the country grappling with one of its worst economic crises in decades, Rhodes-Vivour highlighted the growing disparity between the government’s actions and the needs of the people.
As the 2027 elections approach, Rhodes-Vivour’s declaration sets the stage for another high-stakes contest in Lagos politics.
