Rhodes-Vivour Defects to ADC, Calls for Opposition Unity in Nigeria

Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 elections, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring his decision as part of a broader push to unify Nigeria’s opposition. The defection was announced on Saturday at an event in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, though the gathering was nearly disrupted by suspected political thugs. The presence of police operatives at the venue also caused unease among participants.

Addressing supporters shortly after receiving the ADC flag, Rhodes-Vivour stressed that the occasion was not a campaign rally but a constitutionally guaranteed political meeting. He questioned the deployment of police officers at the venue, vowing to seek clarification from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on whether their mission was to ensure security or to intimidate attendees.

Explaining his defection, the former Labour Party flagbearer said his choice of the ADC stemmed from the urgent need to foster collaboration among opposition parties. According to him, Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive if the opposition remains fragmented. “This coalition is about rescuing Nigeria. Since the 2023 elections, I have consistently maintained that the opposition cannot afford to remain divided. To unseat those who wield power through thuggery, violence and intimidation, we must build a robust alliance that reflects the will of the people” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour warned that if the political space continued to be dominated by intimidation and violence, governance would remain ineffective while citizens’ voices would go unheard. Expressing optimism about his new political platform, he said: “I am happy to join the ADC family. My prayer is that God grants our leaders the wisdom and courage to chart a new course for this country through unity and purposeful leadership”.