A civil society group, Patriots of Nigerian Democracy, has criticized the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and other leaders of the party for declaring their intention to take over Lagos in the 2027 elections. The group described their statements as hypocritical, accusing them of prioritizing politics over governance.
Rhodes-Vivour, during a press briefing in Umuahia, Abia State, at the end of an extended LP stakeholders’ meeting, had expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness for the next election. “Labour Party is now well structured, not just to win but to take power in 2027,” he said. “We are not just going to win but stand up and take power.”
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In a swift reaction, the Patriots of Nigerian Democracy lambasted the LP leaders for their remarks, calling them hypocrites who are more concerned with political gains than addressing the needs of the people.
In a statement jointly signed by the group’s president, Comrade Olaolu Esan, and its secretary, Engr. Abdullahi Rabiu, the group drew attention to the recent backlash against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Kalu had urged Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections, a move that was met with fierce criticism from LP supporters.
“Labour Party attacked Kalu for urging the Abia Governor to rejoin the APC. They made it seem like he had committed a political sin. Yet, here they are, issuing their own quit notice to the APC in Lagos just weeks later,” the statement read.
The group further expressed disappointment in the Labour Party leadership, stating that they expected the meeting in Umuahia to focus on addressing the economic challenges in Abia State rather than discussing strategies for taking over Lagos.
“It’s unfortunate that instead of focusing on governance, they’re already thinking about 2027. This shows that politicians, regardless of party affiliation, are more interested in elections than in the welfare of the people,” the statement concluded.
The group urged politicians to prioritize good governance over political ambitions, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve better leadership focused on improving their lives rather than engaging in premature electioneering.