Samuel Omang
The 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring the party as a rallying point for a broad coalition to challenge the ruling class ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration, which took place on Saturday in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, was almost disrupted by suspected political thugs. Police operatives were also sighted at the venue, raising concerns among supporters. Addressing the gathering after his defection, Rhodes-Vivour insisted the meeting was within his constitutional rights and criticized the presence of security operatives. He explained that he and his supporters were not holding a political rally but a political meeting, which the constitution permits.
He further stated that he would meet with the Commissioner of Police to clarify why officers were deployed at the venue and whether they came to provide protection or to intimidate.
Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that his defection was driven by the need to unite the opposition. According to him, Nigeria could only be rescued through a broad-based coalition. Since the 2023 elections, he said, it had become clear that the opposition must not be divided ahead of 2027. Only by working together through a robust coalition could Nigerians hope to be freed from leaders who hold onto power through thuggery, violence, and intimidation. He warned that without unity, governance would remain ineffective and Nigerians would continue to lack a true voice in leadership.
Welcoming him into the party, the ADC Chairman in Lagos, Mr. George Ashiru, described the move as a milestone for both the party and the wider opposition movement. He noted that Rhodes-Vivour symbolized a movement that had already shaken the political foundations of Lagos in the last election. According to Ashiru, the coalition effort did not begin recently but had been in motion for two years, culminating in the day’s celebration. He stressed that ADC’s vision was to create a global Lagos, a Lagos for everyone, where citizens and their children would have fair opportunities for the future.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, represented at the event by Professor Ola Olateju, also commended the coalition-building effort. He said the ADC was more than just a political party, describing it as a people’s movement where anyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or class, could achieve their ambitions.
Party leaders concluded the event by describing it as one of the most important affirmation programmes in recent times, formally welcoming Rhodes-Vivour and his supporters into the ADC fold.