Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress, a move he described as part of a larger opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rhodes-Vivour made the announcement on Saturday at an event in Lagos, saying the step was necessary to unite opposition voices.
“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 added that opposition parties must work together if they want to stand a chance in 2027. “This is a coalition that is meant to rescue Nigeria. 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 said.
The politician also accused the police of trying to frustrate the event, which was initially scheduled for Alimosho. According to his aide, Olalekan Anjolaiya, organisers had properly informed security agencies, but officers stopped Rhodes-Vivour and his supporters from accessing the venue until it was relocated within the area.
“I’m going to address the press later on the events that happened today and those that happened since yesterday. But with this speech, I just want to confirm that I am joining the ADC coalition,” Rhodes-Vivour said after finally addressing his supporters.
The Lagos State Chairman of ADC, George Ashiru, described the defection as a turning point. “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. We are not affirming one man, we are affirming a movement,” he said.
Ashiru added that Rhodes-Vivour’s entry was part of a coalition built since the 2023 elections to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Professor Ola Olateju, who represented former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, told members that the ADC must see itself as capable of leading Nigeria. “Anybody here could become anything. There is equal opportunity for everybody irrespective of ethnic group, agenda or class. ADC is not just a political party; it’s a movement, a movement of the people. It is an exodus. We are moving in order to rescue Nigeria,” he said.
