By Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja
Fresh details have emerged regarding the decision of former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid allegations that the party may have set aside its commitment to open primaries to directly offer him the Lagos State governorship ticket.
Rhodes-Vivour who rode on the back of Labour Party in 2023, formally announced his defection at an event in Lagos on Saturday, emphasising the move as part of a broader coalition effort to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
According to a party source who spoke to Spear News under condition of anonymity, the ADC’s strategy centred on recruiting a candidate with both widespread appeal and strategic strength.
“The party needed a formidable candidate who will not only give APC a run for its money and might in Lagos but one that will win the election,” the source revealed, highlighting the urgency of selecting a contender capable of overcoming the ruling party’s well established dominance.
“This calculated approach comes against the backdrop of the declining popularity of the APC under the current administration”, he said.
The insider further emphasised that the objective was to leverage public sentiment and present a viable alternative that resonates with voters seeking change.
“Given the current political climate, there is a clear opportunity to shift loyalties and secure a victory that once seemed improbable,” the source added, underscoring the party’s belief in a shifting electoral landscape.
It is understood that after a careful review of his strong performance in the 2023 election—a result achieved despite significant suppression—the ADC leadership deliberately chose to pursue him as their candidate. In that election, the incumbent governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC polled a total of 762,134 votes, defeating Rhodes-Vivour, who as the Labour Party candidate received 312,329 votes, and Dr. Olajide Adediran of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 62,449 votes.
“This strong second place finish, despite considerable operational and political challenges, demonstrated Rhodes-Vivour’s significant voter appeal and cemented his status as a leading opposition figure”, he explained.
Meanwhile, a source within the party, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, has strongly criticised the alleged arrangement, warning of internal resistance. The source stated that “any attempt to bypass the party’s open primary process would be viewed as an imposition and met with firm resistance from members who believe in democratic principles and internal democracy”.
The development came on the heels of a coalition of opposition parties under the ADC platform seeking to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections. The coalition was officially launched in July, courting prominent figures like former vice president Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex Osun Governor and minister of interior Rauf Aregbesola, ex Anambra Governor, Peter Obi who is also the leader of the Obedient Movement, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna State, Rotomi Anaechi and a host of other political big wigs. The aime is to build a formidable third force ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking during his defection to the ADC, Rhodes-Vivour described the move as part of the broader coalition.
He said, “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.”
The politician also called for unity among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. “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,” he added.
The move signifies a major consolidation of opposition forces in preparation for the 2027 general elections, according to Lagos State ADC Chairman George Ashiru. He further characterised Rhodes-Vivour’s defection as a historic validation of a coalition strategy that has been developing since the previous election cycle.
He said, “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. We are not affirming one man, we are affirming a movement, but every movement has a leader, and what brother Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour represents is the leadership of a movement that shook Lagos in the last election.” According to him, the coalition was built on a foundation of communication that began during the 2023 polls and had now matured into a common platform to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Also speaking at the event, a representative of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Professor Ola Olateju, urged party members to believe in their capacity to provide an alternative for Nigerians. He said, “We should not look at ourselves as if we are not able or not competent to rescue Nigeria. Anybody here could become anything. There is equal opportunity for everybody irrespective of ethnic group, agenda or class. ADC is not just a political party; it’s a movement, a movement of the people. It is an exodus. We are moving in order to rescue Nigeria.” This series of events marks a significant realignment in Lagos politics, setting the stage for a highly contested election in 2027.
The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed the defection of Rhodes-Vivour, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as “laughable.” The LP’s interim leadership stated that his departure does not affect the party and was only addressed due to media inquiries.
The party clarified its strategy, explaining that it supports a multi-party coalition to defeat the APC in the 2027 elections, a plan being pursued by its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The LP suggested Rhodes-Vivour acted hastily and should have followed Obi’s example of remaining with the party while working collaboratively with others. It also alleged that the APC is behind some political defections to weaken the opposition.
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