2027: Why You’ll Lose Again In Lagos — Rhodes-Vivour To Tinubu

A former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, on Wednesday, criticised President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of authoritarian excesses and warning that such behaviour will cost him Lagos once again in the 2027 general elections.

Rhodes-Vivour decried the disruption and hardship routinely inflicted on Lagos residents during the president’s visits to the state, likening the situation to a form of colonial-style rule.

“I understand that it hurts the president deeply to have lost Lagos in the last election but acting like a conquistador as a pay back, where thousands of people must endure agonizing stress and chaos consistently every time you’re in town, is going a bridge too far,” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour contrasted Nigeria’s situation with his experiences abroad, noting that even in major cities like Paris and London, the movements of national leaders rarely interfere with daily life.

“I lived in Paris for a couple of years, and not once did we experience chaos because the President was driving past our district.

“When I was in London, not only did I once shop in the same store as the Mayor, I have on several occasions been in the same vicinity as the Prime Minister. Not once did our lives have to pause for the PM to drive or walk past,” he added.

He accused Tinubu of perpetuating a culture of political elitism that prioritizes personal aggrandizement over public service.

“This obsession with being the” big man” – viewing citizens as subjects who are beneath and should be trampled on, is the reason you lost in 2023 and is the reason you will lose again in 2027,” Rhodes-Vivour warned.

In a direct message to the president, he emphasized that the electorate will not forget the inconveniences and indignities suffered at the hands of power displays disguised as security protocols.

“I make bold to remind you that you are in office to serve the people, and this same people you have kept trapped in traffic for hours, who missed doctors appointment, a loved ones event, a business transaction or whose minds have had to endure this humiliation, will certainly have their day soon,” he stated.

Tinubu, who served as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, suffered a major political upset during the 2023 presidential election when he lost Lagos to Labour Party candidate Mr. Peter Obi.

Obi polled 582,454 votes, defeating Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 572,606 votes.

The president arrived in Lagos on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The presidential plane carrying Tinubu landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja at 4:15 pm.

He was received on arrival by a delegation led by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.