The 2023 Lagos governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, formally joined the African Democratic Congress on Saturday, describing the party as a strong coalition aimed at rescuing Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
The event took place in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos.
The ceremony was nearly disrupted when suspected political thugs allegedly attempted to interfere, prompting the presence of police officers at the venue and raising concerns among supporters.
Speaking shortly after his defection, Rhodes-Vivour said: “We are not holding a political rally but a political meeting, which we have constitutional rights to do.
However, we will meet with the Commissioner of Police to know why his men are here and whether they are carrying out their duty of providing us protection or otherwise.”
He emphasized that his move to ADC was motivated by the need to unify the opposition.
“This coalition is meant to rescue Nigeria. Since the 2023 elections, I have said we cannot afford to divide the opposition ahead of 2027. We must come together through a robust, strong coalition that can deliver Nigeria from those who hold power through thuggery, violence, and intimidation,” he stated.
Rhodes-Vivour warned that unchecked political violence would continue to undermine governance and leave citizens voiceless.
“I am happy to become part of this family. My prayer is that God will grant our leaders the wisdom to come together and define a new path for Nigeria,” he added.
ADC Welcomes Rhodes-Vivour
ADC Lagos Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru, described the defection as a milestone in coalition-building.
“We are not affirming one man; we are affirming a movement. What Rhodes-Vivour represents is the leadership of a movement that shook Lagos in the last election. The coalition did not start three months ago, it began two years ago, and today we are celebrating it,” Ashiru said.
He further highlighted ADC’s vision for a “global Lagos, Lagos for everybody, where citizens and their children have opportunities for the future.”
Atiku Sends Message
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, represented by Professor Ola Olateju, praised the coalition efforts, noting that ADC embodies more than just a political party.
“ADC is not just a political party; it is a movement of the people. With this philosophy, anybody can become anything irrespective of ethnic group, religion, or class,” he said.
Party leaders described the event as “one of the most important affirmation programmes,” celebrating Rhodes-Vivour and his supporters as they joined the ADC fold.
