Lagos State’s 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a move that could reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made on Saturday at a declaration event in Lagos, despite security operatives initially barring Rhodes-Vivour and his supporters from the original venue in Alimosho. The event was later relocated within the area and proceeded without disruption.
In his speech, Rhodes-Vivour expressed optimism about the move, describing it as a step toward national transformation.
“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 emphasized the urgency of a united opposition, warning against political fragmentation ahead of 2027:
“This is a coalition that is meant to rescue Nigeria. I have said since after the 2023 elections that 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.”
ADC Lagos Chairman, George Ashiru, hailed the defection as historic, stressing that it strengthens the coalition of opposition parties determined to challenge the ruling establishment.
“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,” Ashiru declared.
Political observers say Rhodes-Vivour’s move signals a major realignment within Nigeria’s opposition camp as the race to 2027 gathers momentum.
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