Former LP Candidate Rhodes-Vivour Joins ADC, Backs Opposition Coalition for 2027

The Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, on Saturday formally announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Rhodes-Vivour made the declaration at an event in Lagos, aligning himself with the ADC-led coalition of opposition parties seeking to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. The coalition, officially formed in July, has been courting prominent figures to build a formidable coalition ahead of the polls.

Addressing supporters, Rhodes-Vivour said his move reflected a commitment to unity among opposition parties, adding “I am happy to become part of this family. I’m looking forward to the union and governance this party will bring to Nigerians. My prayer is that God grants our leaders and the party’s structure the wisdom to define a new path for our beloved country”.

He added: “This is a coalition meant to rescue Nigeria. Since after the 2023 elections, I’ve maintained that we cannot afford to divide the opposition going into the next election. We must come together, united through a robust coalition, to stand a chance in 2027.”

Rhodes-Vivour pledged to brief the press further on developments surrounding his defection.

ADC’s Lagos State Chairman, George Ashiru, described Rhodes-Vivour’s entry as a historic step that strengthens the opposition bloc.

“Today we’re witnessing one of the most important affirmation programmes, where our coalition partners from one of the key blocs in the Labour Party are joining this family of Nigerians, the ADC. We are not affirming one man but a movement — and every movement has a leader. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour represents the leadership of a movement that shook Lagos in the last election”, said Ashiru.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Ola Olateju, representing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urged ADC members to believe in their capacity to provide a credible alternative.

“We should not see ourselves as incapable of rescuing Nigeria. Anybody here could become anything. ADC is not just a political party; it’s a movement — an exodus — moving to rescue Nigeria,” he said.