Rhodes-Vivour Joins ADC Amid Opposition Coalition Plans
The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the recent defection of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ruling party described his political move as another example of what it called his history of “jumping from one party to another.”
Rhodes-Vivour formally declared his membership of the ADC at a ceremony in Lagos on Saturday. His defection aligns with a broader coalition of opposition parties that, in July, adopted the ADC as their common platform to challenge the dominance of the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections. The coalition seeks to build a strong third force capable of mounting a credible challenge for power at the national and state levels.
Addressing supporters at the declaration, Rhodes-Vivour said his move was not just about switching parties but about joining a larger vision for Nigeria.
“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 stated.
He further urged opposition parties to prioritize unity as 2027 approaches, warning that disunity would weaken their ability to compete effectively.
“This coalition is about rescuing Nigeria. I have said since after the 2023 elections that we cannot afford to divide the opposition going into the next election. We must unite through a robust coalition that can stand a chance in 2027,” he emphasized.
However, the APC in Lagos dismissed Rhodes-Vivour’s announcement as insignificant. Party spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, likened his political journey to that of his ally and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing them both of lacking political consistency.
“He is learning from his mentor, Peter Obi, who is a perennial presidential aspirant and easily moves from one party to another. We are not bothered by this development or distracted by the noise. Our focus remains on delivering good governance and strengthening our party,” Oladejo stated
Oladejo added that even if Rhodes-Vivour emerged as a candidate in 2027, the APC would defeat him and any other flag bearer from the opposition coalition.
“We are not perturbed. If they give him a ticket, he is going to lose. The APC will defeat anybody put forward by the opposition parties or the coalition. He was in the PDP just a few months ago, later moved to the Labour Party before the election, and now he has found himself in the ADC. This is not new to us,” he said.
With Rhodes-Vivour’s latest defection, political observers say the ADC coalition faces both the challenge and opportunity of channeling discontent with the APC-PDP dominance into a united opposition force, while also proving that its leaders can remain consistent and credible ahead of 2027.
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