Prominent Lagos politician Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who contested the 2023 governorship election under the Labour Party, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
His announcement was made at a public event in Lagos on Saturday, a significant boost to the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the declaration, Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that his move is motivated by a vision of opposition cooperation — not just for a party, but for “a coalition that is meant to rescue Nigeria.” He said, “We must come together, united through a robust coalition that will stand a chance in 2027 to deliver this country.”
The event faced disruption when police denied access to the original venue in Alimosho, despite prior notification from organisers. The defection press briefing was subsequently relocated. Rhodes-Vivour later condemned the police action, pledging that it would not deter their commitment to coalition-building.
ADC Lagos Chairman George Ashiru described Rhodes-Vivour’s defection as a pivotal moment in forging a united front against the ruling APC, calling it “historic affirmation of a coalition already in the works.”
