ABUJA – A group, Patriots of Nigerian Democracy, has expressed strong reservations about recent comments made by the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and other party leaders regarding their intentions for the 2027 elections.
Rhodes-Vivour, while speaking to journalists in Umuahia, Abia State, at the end of an extended party stakeholders’ meeting, stated that the LP is gearing up to secure Lagos in the next election.
“LP is now well-structured, not just to win but to take power in 2027,” he said, emphasizing the party’s growing strength since the 2023 elections.”
However, in response, Patriots of Nigerian Democracy issued a statement questioning the party’s focus.
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Signed by its President, Comrade Olaolu Esan, and Secretary, Engr. Abdullahi Rabiu, the group expressed concern over what they saw as a political distraction. They pointed out that the Labour Party should prioritize governance rather than political maneuvering.
The group also referenced a recent incident where LP supporters criticized the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for encouraging Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Patriots of Nigerian Democracy noted that it was inconsistent for the LP to attack Kalu’s comments while focusing on strategies for a political takeover in Lagos.
“We were expecting the Umuahia meeting to focus on addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges and improving governance, particularly in Abia State, but instead, discussions were centered on 2027 election strategies for Lagos,” the group noted.
The Patriots urged political leaders to focus on governance and the needs of the people, stressing that while political competition is healthy, it should not come at the expense of addressing pressing national issues.
“Our main concern is the promotion of good governance and ensuring the welfare of Nigerians. Political ambitions should not overshadow these priorities,” the statement concluded.
