KEY POINTS
- Rhodes-Vivour says the government lacks clear direction to address poverty.
- Labour Party is working to resolve internal conflicts before 2027.
- Trade Union leaders push for unity and inclusive party leadership.
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos gubernatorial candidate, has criticized the Federal Government, claiming it lacks the policies and direction necessary to lift Nigerians out of hardship.
Nigerians need leadership to escape hardship, Rhodes-Vivour says
Rhodes-Vivour shared these views on Sunday during a Labour Party stakeholders’ meeting in Alausa, Ikeja.
He expressed frustration that Nigerians are suffering under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite high voter turnout in the 2023 elections.
“For the first time, many Nigerians came together for an election, but it is painful because there is no clear policy or direction to address their problems,” Rhodes-Vivour said.
“At this point, all we can do is encourage Nigerians never to give up on the Nigerian dream. With the right leadership, things can improve. We’ve seen the consequences of poor leadership, so it’s time to choose leaders who prioritize the people over personal interests or those of their friends.”
Addressing internal issues within the Labour Party, Rhodes-Vivour described the meeting as a step toward uniting the party before upcoming elections.
“No political party is without challenges. The PDP and APC have similar issues. What matters is finding solutions,” he said. “The Labour Party has recently been in the news for the wrong reasons. But today, instead of fighting, we are celebrating together. A divided house cannot stand, and this gathering marks the start of more frequent meetings to strengthen the party.”
Labour Party aims for unity ahead of future elections
According to a report by Punch, Lagos State Trade Union Congress Chairman, Gbenga Ekundayo, also called for greater unity, lamenting that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had been sidelined in party matters.
“The Labour movement has not been properly involved, which has held us back. But with this unity, we can come together to work toward shared goals,” Ekundayo said.
“We need to build a future beyond politics—not just for ourselves but for the next generation,” he added.
Francis Igbokwe, chairman of the NLC Political Commission, stressed the need for peace as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.
“The Labour Party is the alternative. To succeed, we need peace and unity at every level,” Igbokwe said.
On Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja upheld Julius Abure’s position as the Labour Party’s national chairman. The court also affirmed the March 2024 Nnewi convention that produced Abure’s executive team and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize his leadership.
