Why I Joined ADC – Rhodes-Vivour
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, has defended his decision to join the African Democratic Congress, insisting that the move is part of a broader coalition strategy to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
Rhodes-Vivour, who was the Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 governorship contest against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, formally joined the ADC in September. His defection, however, drew sharp criticism from the LP leadership, which described his action as “hasty” and “ill-advised.”
Reacting on Arise Television on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour rejected claims that he abandoned the LP, stressing that his new political direction was rooted in coalition-building.
“I would not say I dumped LP because, as you know, the Labour Party is divided into two particular factions. One of such factions is pro-coalition. A coalition is a coming together of several political parties, several political thinkers, and the ADC is the party that has been adopted by the coalition. So, I cannot come on here and say I dumped the Labour Party. No, we are focused on building a robust coalition. And yes, I am a registered member of the ADC,” he said.
The politician further explained that he informed Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, before formalising his membership of the ADC.
Rhodes-Vivour also declared his intention to contest again in 2027, expressing confidence that the coalition would provide a formidable platform to challenge APC’s dominance in Lagos.
“I’ve said this several times, by the grace of God, I intend to run in the next election, 2027. My confidence is in the people. We’ve stayed on ground, built networks in communities, learned from mistakes, and we’re still learning. The good thing about coalitions is you’re expanding your support base and building more stakeholders to have a stronger campaign,” he added.
He disclosed that the coalition had attracted figures from the PDP, APC and Labour Party, describing the bloc as “formidable” and more united than in 2023.
Rhodes-Vivour, however, accused the police of frustrating the coalition’s activities, alleging that security operatives blocked his rally at a venue he had paid for, only to allow the APC to hold a rally there days later.
“We got the approvals. We made the payment. On Thursday they came and occupied the venue. On Saturday, the police supervised and protected the APC to do a rally at the same place that I paid for. The Commissioner of Police needs to explain why that happened. The job of the police is to protect the citizens, not to determine who can do what, when, and how,” he lamented.
Rhodes-Vivour maintained that despite such obstacles, the opposition coalition was determined to be better structured, organised, and prepared ahead of the 2027 polls.
Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has defended his decision to join the African Democratic Congress, insisting the move is part of a broader coalition strategy to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
Rhodes-Vivour, who was the Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 governorship contest against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, formally joined the ADC in September. His defection, however, drew sharp criticism from the LP leadership, which described his action as “hasty” and “ill-advised.”
Reacting on Arise Television on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour rejected claims that he abandoned the LP, stressing that his new political direction was rooted in coalition-building.
“I would not say I dumped LP because, as you know, the Labour Party is divided into two particular factions. One of such factions is pro-coalition. A coalition is a coming together of several political parties, several political thinkers, and the ADC is the party that has been adopted by the coalition. So, I cannot come on here and say I dumped the Labour Party. No, we are focused on building a robust coalition. And yes, I am a registered member of the ADC,” he said.
The politician further explained that he informed Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, before formalising his membership of the ADC.
Rhodes-Vivour also declared his intention to contest again in 2027, expressing confidence that the coalition would provide a formidable platform to challenge APC’s dominance in Lagos.
“I’ve said this several times, by the grace of God, I intend to run in the next election, 2027. My confidence is in the people. We’ve stayed on ground, built networks in communities, learned from mistakes, and we’re still learning. The good thing about coalitions is you’re expanding your support base and building more stakeholders to have a stronger campaign,” he added.
He disclosed that the coalition had attracted figures from the PDP, APC and Labour Party, describing the bloc as “formidable” and more united than in 2023.
Rhodes-Vivour, however, accused the police of frustrating the coalition’s activities, alleging that security operatives blocked his rally at a venue he had paid for, only to allow the APC to hold a rally there days later.
“We got the approvals. We made the payment. On Thursday they came and occupied the venue. On Saturday, the police supervised and protected the APC to do a rally at the same place that I paid for. The Commissioner of Police needs to explain why that happened. The job of the police is to protect the citizens, not to determine who can do what, when, and how,” he lamented.
Rhodes-Vivour maintained that despite such obstacles, the opposition coalition was determined to be better structured, organised, and prepared ahead of the 2027 polls.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
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