The Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has formally left the party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Rhodes-Vivour announced his defection on Saturday during an event held in Lagos. His move comes amid ongoing efforts by opposition parties to form a coalition under the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. The coalition, officially launched in July, has been courting key political figures in a bid to build what it calls a “formidable third force” against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the declaration, Rhodes-Vivour said his decision was driven by the need for opposition unity and stronger political collaboration.
“I am happy to become part of this family. I’m looking forward to the union and governance that this party will bring to Nigerians. My prayer is that God will grant our leaders and the party’s structure the wisdom to come together and define a new path for our beloved country,” he said.
The former LP candidate stressed that the coalition was designed to “rescue Nigeria,” warning against divisions among opposition parties as the 2027 elections approach.
“We cannot afford to divide the opposition going into the next election. We must come together, united through a robust coalition, that will stand a chance in 2027 to deliver this country,” he added.
Rhodes-Vivour’s defection, however, was not without controversy. On Friday, he accused the police of attempting to disrupt the event, which had been scheduled to hold in the Alimosho area of Lagos. According to a statement from his aide, Olalekan Anjolaiya, the organisers had duly informed security agencies about the programme.
Rhodes-Vivour, who emerged as a prominent figure in the 2023 Lagos governorship race, is expected to play a key role in strengthening the ADC-led coalition as the countdown to 2027 begins.
