Lagos politician and former governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, widely recognized as GRV, has officially declared his intention to contest the Lagos State governorship election in 2027. Despite falling short in his 2023 bid under the Labour Party (LP), where he was defeated by the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rhodes-Vivour remains resolute in his pursuit of the state’s top office.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Rhodes-Vivour reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Lagos and his determination to achieve his political aspirations. “I will not give up on actualizing my ambition to become Lagos State Governor,” he stated emphatically.
While he confirmed his intention to re-enter the political arena, Rhodes-Vivour refrained from specifying whether he would maintain his affiliation with the Labour Party or seek a new political platform. His declaration has ignited discussions among political analysts and observers, particularly concerning his potential strategies and alignments for the 2027 election cycle.
Rhodes-Vivour’s previous campaign under the Labour Party in 2023 was marked by widespread enthusiasm, especially among younger voters and grassroots supporters. Despite his loss to Governor Sanwo-Olu, his candidacy brought significant attention to the Labour Party in Lagos, challenging the dominance of the APC in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
His decision to vie for the governorship once again underscores his commitment to public service and his belief in a vision of transformative governance for Lagos.
While Rhodes-Vivour remained tight-lipped about his political alignment, speculations abound about potential moves to forge broader alliances or leverage new opportunities within Lagos’ dynamic political landscape. His ability to galvanize support across various demographics in 2023 positions him as a key figure to watch in the lead-up to the next election.
With over three years until the 2027 election, Rhodes-Vivour’s early declaration signals a calculated and ambitious approach to building momentum and refining his political machinery. Whether as a member of the Labour Party or through another platform, his renewed bid promises to further shape the discourse around Lagos’ future governance and development.
As the political climate evolves, all eyes will be on Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and his next steps in what promises to be a high-stakes race for Lagos State’s governorship.
