The former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 Lagos election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Rhodes-Vivour made the announcement on Saturday at a declaration event in Lagos, aligning himself with the ADC-led coalition of opposition parties formed in July to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, Rhodes-Vivour described his move as part of a broader effort to unite the opposition.
“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.
He stressed the need for opposition parties to work together, adding:
“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.”
The declaration was not without drama. Rhodes-Vivour accused security operatives of attempting to frustrate the event. According to his aide, Olalekan Anjolaiya, the police were duly notified, yet supporters were initially barred from accessing the venue in Alimosho before the programme was moved to another location.
Confirming his defection, Rhodes-Vivour said:
“With this speech, I just want to confirm that I am joining the ADC coalition.”
ADC Lagos Chairman, George Ashiru, described the development as historic, noting that Rhodes-Vivour represents a movement that “shook Lagos in the last election.”
“We are not affirming one man, we are affirming a movement, and what brother Gbadebo represents is the leadership of that movement,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof. Ola Olateju, a representative of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urged members to see the ADC as a people-driven platform capable of rescuing Nigeria.
“Anybody here could become anything. There is equal opportunity for everybody irrespective of ethnic group, gender or class. ADC is not just a political party; it’s a movement, an exodus to rescue Nigeria,” he declared.
The defection marks a major boost for the ADC coalition as it intensifies efforts to build a formidable third force ahead of 2027.
