Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour defends move to ADC, saying it supports a stronger opposition coalition to unseat APC in Lagos ahead of the 2027 election
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has explained why he left the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the move is part of a wider plan to unify the opposition and challenge the APC’s grip on Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also read: Rhodes-Vivour Confirms Peter Obi Backed His Move to ADC
Rhodes-Vivour, who was the Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State in 2023, officially joined the ADC in early September 2025.
His defection is viewed as a strategic effort to strengthen a coalition bringing together factions from the LP, APC, and PDP, aimed at mounting a more effective challenge to the ruling party in the upcoming polls.
The Labour Party responded sharply to his decision, describing it as “hasty” and “ill-advised,” accusing him of leaving at a critical time when the party is still trying to solidify its internal structure.
However, Rhodes-Vivour insisted that he had informed Peter Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, before making the move to the ADC.
Speaking on Arise Television, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed claims that he had abandoned the Labour Party, saying: “I would not say I dumped LP. The Labour Party is divided into two factions — one that supports the coalition and the other that does not. The ADC has been adopted by the coalition as its vehicle. We are focused on building a robust coalition, and I am a registered member of the ADC.”
Rhodes-Vivour, who contested against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2023 Lagos governorship election, declared his intention to run again in 2027. He expressed optimism that the coalition would provide the platform needed to unseat the APC.
“I’ve said this several times: by the grace of God, I intend to run in the next election. My confidence is in the people. They showed their strength in 2023. We have stayed grounded, built networks in communities, learned from past mistakes, and are still learning. Coalitions help to build support bases and bring more contacts and stakeholders on board for a formidable campaign,” he said.
He also revealed that the coalition had attracted “formidable” political figures from the Peoples Democratic Party, the APC, and the Labour Party, insisting that the opposition in Lagos is now more united and better prepared ahead of the next election.
Rhodes-Vivour further raised concerns about political interference after his coalition was allegedly prevented from holding a rally at a paid venue, while the APC was allowed to use the same venue just days later.
“We got the approvals, the payment, and the letter. On Thursday, the police occupied the venue. On Saturday, the police supervised and protected the APC rally at that same venue. The Commissioner of Police needs to explain why this happened. The job of the police is to protect citizens, not to decide who can hold events and when,” he said.
The opposition candidate planned a welcoming event for himself and Peter Obi under the ADC in Alimosho, intended to receive supporters and welcome defectors into the party.
Rhodes-Vivour and his team say they notified the police in advance and obtained verbal clearance from the Area ‘M’ Command of the Lagos Police.
However, days before the event, they were informed by residents and police sources that the Commissioner of Police had ordered no political gatherings.
On the event day, over 80 police officers and other security forces were deployed to occupy the venue, blocking Rhodes-Vivour and his team from accessing it. Attempts to meet the Commissioner of Police were unsuccessful.
Despite the setback, Rhodes-Vivour remained resolute, stating that the 2027 elections will be fiercely contested.
He emphasised that the coalition is more organised, united, and ready to face the challenges ahead.
“We are building a formidable campaign and will not be silenced,” he said.
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The Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour defection to the ADC signals a significant realignment within Lagos State’s opposition politics, potentially reshaping the landscape as the 2027 elections approach.
