NIGERIA: Rhodes-Vivour Criticizes Lagos Government Spending, Hints At 2027 Governorship Bid

By Onoja Baba, Lagos

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State during the last election, has signaled his intent to contest again in 2027.

Speaking in an interview on Iyabo Ojo TV on YouTube, he reflected on the lessons learned from his previous campaign and emphasized his commitment to staying active in opposition politics.

Rhodes-Vivour criticized what he described as a recurring tendency among opposition parties to retreat after elections, pledging to break that cycle by remaining visible and engaging with Lagosians.

“By God’s grace, we are working. We gained a lot of traction, we also saw our mistakes, we saw the loopholes we made, and we’re working on that. I think the biggest mistake that has happened in Lagos politics is after elections, the opposition goes quiet. That is not happening this time,” he stated.

He took aim at the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accusing it of extravagant spending in the face of widespread economic hardship.

Rhodes-Vivour cited specific instances of alleged misuse of public funds, including the payment of personal legal bills with taxpayers’ money, nearly ₦200 million spent on vague projects, and ₦2 billion allocated for fans and consultants related to the state’s bus network.

“With the level of suffering that Nigerians and Lagosians are dealing with, we need to have accountability and transparency. Our government must be using our money in the most efficient way possible, and that is the work of the opposition,” he said.

In addition to his criticism of the government, Rhodes-Vivour outlined efforts by his political movement to address the needs of Lagosians. These initiatives include health outreach programs and a micro-health insurance scheme that provides free treatment worth up to ₦6,000.

“We’re in people’s faces, we’re doing our best in terms of health outreaches. We have a micro-health insurance plan that we’re taking all across the state where people can get treatment of up to six thousand Naira for free and just being up to date with current affairs,” he explained.