By John Umeh
Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The declaration was made on Saturday at an event in Lagos, marking a significant step in the growing opposition coalition under the ADC platform. The coalition, formed in July, is courting political heavyweights to build a credible third force capable of challenging the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
In his address, Rhodes-Vivour described his defection as more than a personal move, but part of a collective effort to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
“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 grants our leaders and the party’s structure the wisdom to define a new path for our beloved country,” he said.
He further stressed the need for unity among opposition parties, warning that a divided front in 2027 would only strengthen the APC’s grip on power. “We cannot afford to split the opposition. This coalition is meant to rescue Nigeria, and it must stand united to succeed,” he declared.
Rhodes-Vivour, however, alleged that the police attempted to frustrate the programme, claiming that security operatives blocked access to the initial venue in Alimosho despite prior notification. The event was later relocated within the area.
Speaking on the significance of the defection, Lagos ADC Chairman, George Ashiru, hailed it as a milestone in consolidating the opposition bloc. He described Rhodes-Vivour as a symbol of a movement that energized Lagos politics during the 2023 elections.
“This is not just about one man; it is about a movement. Brother Gbadebo represents the leadership of that movement, and today’s affirmation is proof that we are building a coalition strong enough to challenge the ruling party,” Ashiru said.
Also present was Professor Ola Olateju, a representative of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who urged party members to embrace the ADC’s vision. “This is not just a political party, it’s a movement of the people. We must believe in our ability to rescue Nigeria and provide a real alternative,” he said.
With Rhodes-Vivour’s entry into the ADC, the opposition coalition appears to be gathering momentum, signaling the possibility of a formidable challenge to the APC in the 2027 polls.
