Sanwo-Olu vs Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour & Jandor: What’s their Winning Advantage?

The long awaited gubernatorial election which has generated much interest among political analysts and the people held today in Lagos State. The battle for who will rule Lagos State for the next four years will be decided.

In recent years, the candidates to contest have always been between the nation’s two biggest parties, the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). However, the surfacing of the Labour Party at the frontline in recent months has added a different and new twist to the contest, which could probably make it more competitive. 

The incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of the APC will be seeking re-election for a second term. However, he will not be unchallenged, as two formidable candidates, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party and Jandor of the PDP, are firmly in the race. In this article, we would talk about their strengths and weaknesses which can possibly determine their winning advantage.

Their Strengths

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu is the current governor of Lagos State and has the advantage of incumbency. He has a record of delivering some key projects, such as the completion of the Oshodi Transport Interchange, and the construction of several roads and bridges. 

He also has the backing of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is the ruling party in Lagos State and at the federal level.

One factor that could also work in his favour is that he has more financial power than any of the opposition candidates. Also, his godfather, Tinubu became the president-elect, although he lost Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu may also take advantage of the popularity of APC in Lagos and as the ruling party both at the state and national levels to emerge victorious.

Olajide Adediran (Jandor)

Olajide Adediran popularly known as Jandor, the flagbearer of the PDP is a grassroots politician who has structures across the state and has been active in Lagos State politics for many years.

His structures across the state started about seven years ago in preparation to contest the gubernatorial seat in state. From Jandor Foundation, Ibeli Eko Forum to Lagos4Lagos. He is reported to have built structures in every ward through these groups in the state.

He was a former member of the APC who understands how the party operates, strength and weakness of the Lagos APC and would be hoping to capitalise on this.

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour

The flagbearer of the Labour Party, Gbadebo-Rhodes Vivour has the backing of the ‘Obidient’ movement across the country especially in Lagos State.

Ahead of the presidential elections, there have been hundreds of youths who are displeased with governance in the country, who want to change the narrative and have supported the Labour Party and are popularly known as the ‘Obidients’.

Rhodes-Vivour became a threat to other candidates as the growing number of the ‘Obidient’ supporters increased, especially when the presidential candidate of his party won in Lagos State. 

Some political analysts also say he has the age, to his advantage and the youths who want a change in system as a result of perceived failure of the ruling party could vote him.

Weaknesses

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

A lot of the people perceived that the Sanwo-Olu administration compared to the last two previous administrations did not go well to deserve a second term. This is as a result of the perceived belief that he has done little in developing infrastructures and the bad shape of the roads in inner communities and remote parts of the state.

Several Nigerians have resentments towards the failure of the ruling party at both the Federal and the State level because of the poverty rate and unemployment especially among the youths. Also, some Lagosians that the revenues accruing to government in the state are not being well utilised, among many other discrepancies in the state.

Many believed this would affect the chances of the APC’s candidates across Lagos State.

Olajide Adediran (Jandor)

The choice of Jandor running mate which is termed street popularity might be a mistake according to some pundits. They believe street popularity doesn’t equal political value.

There are various reports of disputes and arguments among leaders of the PDP which could weaken Jandor’s chances of winning.

Nwosu Chuma a political analyst said, “I am worried about the division in Lagos PDP, with the party chieftains like Bode George not aligning with Olajide Adediran, he may find it difficult to break even. The APC is strong in the state and they have to work extra hard to defeat them”.

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour

It is believed that LP candidate does not have grassroot structures across the state that could help him win the governorship election.

Some people believe he is not experienced and only want to use his contest as a part of profile-building efforts. Observers also say that he does not have the financial capacity to battle the likes of the PDP and the APC candidates but might enjoy support from either of the aggrieved groups in both parties.