Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has explained his decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that the move is part of a larger coalition strategy designed to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Rhodes-Vivour officially registered with the ADC in early September 2025, in what political observers have described as a significant step towards forming a united opposition front. The coalition seeks to bring together disaffected factions from the LP, APC, and PDP to mount a formidable challenge at the polls.
While the Labour Party condemned the defection as “hasty” and “ill-advised,” Rhodes-Vivour clarified during an interview on Arise Television that he had informed Peter Obi before making the switch. He dismissed claims that he “dumped” the LP, stressing that his decision was in line with efforts to build a strong alliance.
“I would not say I dumped LP because, as you know, the Labour Party is divided into two particular factions. One of such factions is pro-coalition… the ADC is the party that has been adopted by the coalition. So I cannot come on here and say I dumped the Labour Party,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour, who ran against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2023 elections, reaffirmed his intention to contest in 2027. According to him, the coalition will offer a stronger platform, backed by grassroots networks and support from “formidable” political figures across the PDP, APC, and LP.
He also expressed frustration over what he described as political bias by security agencies. Rhodes-Vivour recounted how police allegedly prevented his coalition from hosting a rally at a venue they had paid for, only to allow the APC to hold an event at the same location days later.
“The job of the police is to protect the citizens, not to determine who can do what, when, and how,” he stated, demanding an explanation from the Commissioner of Police.
Despite the setback, Rhodes-Vivour assured supporters that the opposition is now more organised, united, and prepared to make the 2027 race far more competitive than previous contests.
What You Should Know
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has joined the ADC as part of a coalition to unseat the APC in Lagos come 2027. He insists he did not abandon the Labour Party but aligned with pro-coalition forces.
Despite clashes with security agencies, he says the opposition is stronger, better organised, and ready for the next polls.
