By Abiola Olawale
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The announcement, was made during a high-profile event in Alimosho, Lagos, on Saturday.
Rhodes-Vivour, who challenged Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial race, cited the need for a united opposition as the driving force behind his decision.
Speaking at the event, he emphasized the ADC’s role in forming a robust coalition to “rescue Nigeria” from APC dominance.
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 New Diplomat reports that this comes after the ADC emerged as the official party of the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 General elections.
Already, a former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has been named as the interim national president of the party, while a former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, was named the interim national secretary of the party, respectively.