Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s former governorship candidate in Lagos, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His defection is seen as a major step to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour joins ADC after stressing the urgent need for unity. He made the announcement on Saturday in Lagos, describing the move as part of a broader plan to unite opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He insisted that Nigeria cannot afford to enter the 2027 polls with a fragmented opposition.
“This coalition is meant to rescue Nigeria,” he said. “Since 2023, I have argued that divided opposition parties cannot succeed. We must unite to stand a real chance in 2027.”
The declaration came with drama. Rhodes-Vivour alleged that security operatives tried to frustrate the event by blocking access to the original venue in Alimosho. Organizers later relocated the programme within the area and continued it as planned.
Lagos ADC chairman George Ashiru welcomed the move, calling it a boost to the opposition.
“This is bigger than one man,” Ashiru said. “Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour represents a movement that shook Lagos in 2023. Today, that movement joins our family, and together we are building something stronger.”
He added that talks to form a coalition of opposition parties had been ongoing since the last elections, stressing that unity remains the only real path to challenge the APC.
Also present was Prof. Ola Olateju, representing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He urged members to see ADC as more than just a party.
“Anyone here can become anything,” Olateju said. “ADC is not just a political party, it is a people’s movement, a march to rescue Nigeria.”
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour joins ADC as part of wider political realignments ahead of 2027. In July, the ADC announced plans to lead a broad opposition coalition, presenting itself as a credible “third force” against both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
