Nigeria needs vibrant opposition — Rhodes-Vivour

The Lagos State Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, says Nigeria deserves a vibrant opposition to challenge the activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Rhodes-Vivour made the statement on Thursday evening during Channels Television Politics Today programme, arguing that the crisis in the Labour Party was akin to sibling rivalry and that the contentions remained civil, without any sections of the party unleashing thugs to destroy the party’s secretariat.

“The way I see it, one, even siblings have disagreements. The important thing is that they are civil about how they have these disagreements. There is a situation where they are in court, and they are following that process. Nobody is sending thugs to destroy the secretariat, or anything like that.

“But at the same time, I agree with you. I believe that this country deserves a vibrant opposition, and I’m very grateful for His Excellency, Peter Obi, who has not gone quiet since the election. You see him constantly out there, speaking truth to power, doing his best to lift people up in his capacity that he can.”he said.

He further expressed disappointment with opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly, which he noted was in contrast to the Bukola Saraki Senate, which held the government accountable.

“I’m also disappointed with the National Assembly, especially members of the opposition. I mean we saw what happened with the Bukola Saraki senate. I’m not saying he’s perfect, but that Senate held the government accountable, there was some pushback. They did what they were supposed to do. We don’t see that here, and that is inclusive of party members”.

Asked whether he believed the Senate was a rubber stamp senate, Rhodes-Vivour said, “Certainly, that goes without saying.”

On whether he would run for governor again in 2027, he said, “By God’s grace, yes,”, but did not confirm whether it would be on the platform of the Labour Party.

The former Governorship aspirant, however, said his focus was to ensure that he had a strong Labour party, noting that the 2027 elections would be a waste of time if parties didn’t merge.

“For me, I believe that if all parties do not come together, it is going to be a waste of time running in 2027 because there is a full state capture happening in this country now. We cannot afford for the opposition to be separate. For now, my job is to ensure that I have a strong party – the Labour Party.”