The former Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Lagos State election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant step toward consolidating opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rhodes-Vivour announced his defection on Saturday at a formal declaration event held in Lagos. His move comes as part of a broader strategy by the ADC, which recently formed a coalition of opposition parties aimed at challenging the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the event, Rhodes-Vivour described his decision as a commitment to a larger political vision focused on national renewal.
“I am happy to become part of this family. I look forward to the unity and governance this party can deliver to Nigerians. My prayer is that God grants our leaders and party structures the wisdom to chart a new path for our beloved country,” he said.
He also reiterated the urgent need for unity among opposition parties if they hope to stand a chance in the next electoral cycle.
“This coalition is about rescuing Nigeria. Since after the 2023 elections, I’ve consistently said we cannot afford a divided opposition going into 2027. We must unite through a robust coalition capable of delivering real change,” he added.
Rhodes-Vivour also addressed earlier reports of an attempted disruption of the event by security forces. According to a statement by his aide, Olalekan Anjolaiya, the original venue in Alimosho was barricaded by police on Saturday morning despite prior notification to authorities.
The venue was later relocated within the same local government area. While briefly referencing the incident, Rhodes-Vivour assured supporters that a full press statement would follow.
“I will address the media on what transpired today and yesterday. But for now, I just want to confirm my decision to join the ADC coalition,” he said.
In his remarks, the ADC Lagos State Chairman, George Ashiru, hailed Rhodes-Vivour’s entry as a significant milestone for the opposition.
“This is not just about one man—it is the affirmation of a movement. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour represents a leadership that challenged the status quo in Lagos during the last election,” Ashiru said.
He noted that the coalition had its roots in the 2023 elections and had since evolved into a strategic platform to challenge the APC’s grip on power.
Also present at the event was Professor Ola Olateju, a representative of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He urged members of the coalition to believe in their capacity to provide a viable alternative for Nigeria.
“We must stop underestimating ourselves. Anyone here could lead this country. ADC is more than a political party—it’s a movement, an exodus, a journey to rescue Nigeria,” Olateju said.
Rhodes-Vivour, a prominent face of the 2023 elections in Lagos, emerged as a key challenger to the APC’s long-standing dominance in the state. His move to the ADC and alignment with a growing opposition coalition could significantly alter the political dynamics as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
