Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Slams Tinubu’s Government, Labels It a Failure Amid Surging Cost of Living [VIDEO]

 

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, has launched a stinging critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a colossal failure marked by worsening economic hardship and deepening insecurity across the country. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics, Rhodes-Vivour voiced his concern over the current state of affairs in Nigeria, warning that the nation is sliding into an unprecedented crisis.

During the interview, Rhodes-Vivour painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape, asserting that the country is experiencing the worst cost-of-living crisis in over four decades. He stated that basic needs have become unaffordable for the average Nigerian, while government policies have failed to offer meaningful relief to the population.

“This government ultimately has been a failure. When you talk about the quality of life, the cost of living, this is the highest cost-of-living crisis that Nigeria has faced in the last 40 years,” he declared, lamenting the impact of inflation and rising commodity prices on Nigerian households.

Rhodes-Vivour did not stop at economic criticism. He turned his attention to the country’s worsening security situation, citing the alarming death toll from violence and criminal activities across various regions. According to him, over 10,000 people have lost their lives in the northern part of the country, while about 7,000 fatalities have been recorded in the South.

He further argued that Nigeria’s international standing has suffered under the Tinubu administration, pointing to the country’s declining rank on the international tourism index. He expressed disbelief at what he perceived as extravagant spending by the federal government in the face of widespread suffering.

“You can talk of policies all you want, but if people are experiencing hardship, and at the same time you are renovating the vice president’s residence, using money in a way that reflects luxury, then something is wrong,” he said. “It’s all about the people being told to tighten their belts, while those in power continue to live lavishly.”

Rhodes-Vivour also brought attention to what he described as the country’s deteriorating global economic status, claiming Nigeria is now ranked among the 10 poorest countries in the world. He stressed that such statistics are not mere numbers but reflect the grim reality faced by millions of Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.

Moving beyond criticism, the Lagos politician laid out his perspective on what must be done to change the country’s trajectory. He emphasized that the only viable path forward lies in a unified and strategic opposition. He believes that the fragmentation of votes in the 2023 general elections played a significant role in Tinubu’s victory and must not be repeated in the next presidential contest.

“The only way we can move this country forward as an opposition is to come together,” he said. “We cannot afford to divide our votes again. If you add Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s votes to His Excellency Peter Obi’s votes, they completely take out the current president.”

He disclosed that talks are already underway to build a strong coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, hinting at a possible announcement within days. The goal, he said, is to form a formidable front that can challenge the current administration and bring about the change that Nigerians desperately seek.

“Our main focus now is unity. At that point, we can authoritatively say this is the party we are going to run on,” Rhodes-Vivour added.

He didn’t reserve his criticism for the federal government alone. Turning his gaze to Lagos State, he accused Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of running an administration driven by personal and vested interests rather than genuine public service. He argued that despite the immense revenue generated by Lagos, most residents continue to suffer due to mismanagement and misplaced priorities.

Rhodes-Vivour’s remarks have sparked conversations within political and civil society circles, with many awaiting the proposed coalition’s next steps. As the country navigates complex economic and political challenges, his call for unity among opposition parties signals a potentially pivotal moment ahead of the 2027 elections.

With hardship deepening and frustrations growing, Nigeria's political future could hinge on how effectively the opposition responds to Rhodes-Vivour’s rallying cry.

(GRV interview starts at 8.34)