Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 elections, has criticized the ongoing reforms by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that only the president’s close associates are reaping the benefits.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour alleged that ordinary Nigerians are bearing the brunt of the reforms, which include the removal of the petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.
“The people are experiencing unprecedented hardship,” Rhodes-Vivour stated. “Over 70 percent of their income is spent on food and transportation, and they haven’t even begun to think about how to afford housing.”
He emphasized that the primary beneficiaries of these reforms are bankers, government officials, and those close to the president, while the majority of Nigerians struggle with the impact.
Rhodes-Vivour further criticized what he called a “culture of wastefulness” in the government, which he believes does not align with the country’s dire economic conditions.
Addressing his future political plans, Rhodes-Vivour confirmed his intention to run for the Lagos governorship post again in 2027.
He also stressed the need for a united opposition to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that if opposition parties remain divided, the effort would be futile.
