Rhodes-Vivour suffers backlash over 2027 prediction

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party's (LP) 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, and other party leaders have been criticised for their ambitious claim to "take over" Lagos State in 2027.

This criticism comes after he critiqued the All Progressives Congress (APC) for being a failure.

"LP is now well structured, not just to win but to take power in 2027. What we have come to do here in Umuahia is to bring everybody on the same page. We are set for new victories in 2027," he stated during the party's stakeholders meeting in Abia.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Vanguard of Nigeria has expressed support for Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Rhodes-Vivour's 2027 comments vindicate Kalu

The group noted that Rhodes-Vivour's statement about LP taking over Lagos in 2027 has vindicated Kalu.

Recall that Kalu had made similar comments about the APC taking over Abia in an interview that went viral on social media.

In a press release signed by its president, Dr Usman Haruna Gambo, the group criticised LP leaders, including Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia-North/Umuahia-South Federal Constituency of Abia State, for their attacks on Kalu.

Kalu had earlier called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC), which Labour Party leaders opposed, leading to a public backlash.

Gambo argued that the Labour Party's harsh criticism of Kalu was hypocritical in light of Rhodes-Vivour's bold claim of taking over Lagos. He stated, "The same people who attacked Kalu for urging his state governor to return to APC are now silent when one of their own makes an even more undemocratic statement about seizing power in Lagos."

Similarly, the Patriots of Nigerian Democracy also disagreed with the assertions of the 41-year-old Rhodes-Vivour.

The Patriots labelled the LP leaders as hypocritical, accusing them of prioritising political manoeuvrings over public welfare.

In a joint statement, Comrade Olaolu Esan and Engr. Abdullahi Rabiu, the group's President and Secretary, highlighted what they see as a double standard.

The statement criticised LP leaders for focusing on the 2027 elections instead of addressing current governance issues, questioning their commitment to genuine reform.

"It is unfortunate that LP leaders abandoned discussions on governance for the politics of 2027," the statement read.

The Patriots further implied that the media attacks on Kalu might have been orchestrated, asserting that LP leaders' actions reveal a troubling inconsistency.

The group reaffirmed their commitment to good governance and urged politicians to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians over personal political ambitions.