The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, to demonstrate a deeper understanding of Lagos and its governance challenges. APC spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, stated that while learning the Yoruba language was commendable, proficiency in Yoruba alone could not substitute for an understanding of the history, culture, institutions, and socio-economic realities of the state.
Rhodes-Vivour recently disclosed that he had engaged a Yoruba language teacher and planned to campaign in the language. Oladejo said the development was welcome but raised questions about the extent to which the opposition candidate understood the people and environment he aspired to govern. He noted that Lagos was a cosmopolitan state inhabited by people from different parts of Nigeria.
Oladejo cautioned against viewing the issue from an ethnic perspective, noting that language could serve as a gateway to understanding a people because it carries elements of history, values, traditions, and ways of seeing the world. He urged Rhodes-Vivour to complement his Yoruba lessons with what he described as “Understanding Lagos 101” and “Thinking in Yoruba”.
Oladejo also defended the experience of the APC governorship candidate, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, against what he described as Rhodes-Vivour’s attempts to dismiss his record. Hamzat, the incumbent deputy governor, has held several positions in the Lagos State Government, including that of commissioner, before becoming deputy governor.
Oladejo said while Rhodes-Vivour had the right to criticise Hamzat’s record, such criticism could not erase the experience accumulated by the APC candidate through years of public service. He said the ADC candidate could identify areas where he believed the government had fallen short, but added that “criticism does not erase experience.”
On traffic, Oladejo said Rhodes-Vivour’s criticism of the state’s transportation challenges should be accompanied by details of the alternative he intended to provide. He challenged the ADC candidate to explain how he would tackle traffic congestion, including his plans for roads, financing, mass transit, implementation, timelines, and measurable targets.
Oladejo urged Rhodes-Vivour to allow Lagos voters to scrutinise his own programme, experience, and capacity rather than focusing primarily on defining his opponent. He said the 2027 governorship contest should centre on competing programmes and the capacity of candidates to translate campaign promises into public policy.
Key points
- APC spokesman questions ADC candidate's depth of knowledge on Lagos' governance challenges
- Rhodes-Vivour's Yoruba language skills not enough to govern Lagos, says APC
- 2027 Lagos governorship contest to focus on candidates' programmes and capacity
