Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State during the 2023 elections, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This move marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections and highlights efforts to consolidate opposition forces under a unified platform.
On Saturday, Rhodes-Vivour made the announcement at an event held in Lagos.
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Speaking during the declaration, he said, “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 further stressed the importance of unity among opposition parties, stating, “This is a coalition that is meant to rescue Nigeria.
“ I have said since after the 2023 elections that 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 announcement faced initial hurdles, as security operatives initially barred Rhodes-Vivour and his supporters from accessing the original venue in Alimosho.
Despite this, the event was successfully relocated within the local government area and continued without disruption.
George Ashiru, Chairman of ADC in Lagos, described Rhodes-Vivour’s defection as historic.
“Today we are having one of the most important affirmation programmes where our coalition partners from one of the key blocs in the Labour Party are joining this wonderful family of Nigerians, the African Democratic Congress,” he said.
