Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, has confidently predicted that the party will not only win the Lagos gubernatorial election in 2027 but also take control of the state’s governance. Rhodes-Vivour made this assertion during an interaction with reporters in Umuahia, Abia State, where he attended an extended stakeholders’ meeting of the Labour Party.
Labour Party Gains Momentum Ahead of 2027
According to Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party has been strengthening its structure and consolidating on the gains it made in the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos. During the 2023 presidential election, the party made an impressive showing in Lagos, securing a significant portion of the vote. He explained that the party has been continuously working on its strategies, aiming for an even more decisive victory in the next electoral cycle.
“Since after the 2023 elections, work has not stopped; we have not gone quiet. Every day, we are getting stronger and stronger. LP is now well structured, not just to win but to take power in 2027,” Rhodes-Vivour said.
He emphasized that the recent stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia was part of efforts to unify and align party members, ensuring everyone is on the same page ahead of the 2027 elections.
Criticism of the APC’s Governance
Rhodes-Vivour sharply criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as maladministration, noting that the economic hardship and growing hunger in the country under APC rule were clear signs of governance failure. He said that the APC’s poor performance has made it easier for the Labour Party to position itself as a viable alternative, both in Lagos and nationwide.
“APC has been failing Nigerians for a very long time. It didn’t start today, although things are harder now,” he stated, adding that the current economic situation is a testament to the ineptitude of the ruling party.
Labour Party Leadership Repositioned
The stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia was also significant for addressing internal leadership issues within the Labour Party. The party had been embroiled in a leadership tussle following the expiration of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Comrade Julius Abure in June. The crisis had created friction between the NWC and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which is the parent organization of the party.
However, during the meeting, party leaders resolved the leadership conflict by appointing a 29-member Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs and organize a fresh convention within 90 days. The committee is chaired by former Finance Minister, Senator Nenadi Usman.
Rhodes-Vivour praised Labour Party leader and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, as well as Abia State Governor Alex Otti, for their roles in resolving the internal crisis and ensuring the party remains united and focused on the upcoming elections.
“This is a very good step in the right direction,” he said, expressing optimism that the Labour Party is now on a stronger footing to achieve electoral success in 2027.