Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Joins ADC, Urges United Opposition Ahead of 2027 Election

Former Lagos State Labour Party governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has officially left the Labour Party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move aimed at strengthening a united opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made on Saturday at an event in Alimosho, Lagos, where Rhodes-Vivour emphasized the urgency of opposition unity to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Describing the coalition as a necessary force to rescue Nigeria, he called for a robust, united front to overcome divisions that could weaken the opposition’s chances in the upcoming polls.

At the event, Rhodes-Vivour expressed optimism about the coalition’s potential to bring new governance and hope for Nigerians, praying for wisdom for the party’s leaders to chart a fresh path. The ADC, which officially formed this coalition in July, has been courting prominent political figures with the goal of building a formidable third force to challenge APC’s dominance. Lagos ADC Chairman George Ashiru hailed Rhodes-Vivour’s defection as a significant boost to opposition politics, underscoring that the party represents a movement for inclusivity and opportunity beyond ethnic and religious lines.

The event was nearly disrupted by hostile elements and police presence, a situation Rhodes-Vivour criticized as indicative of the challenges faced by opposition groups. He warned against the normalization of political thuggery and violence as barriers to meaningful governance. The coalition, adopting ADC as its platform, also includes other opposition leaders who aim to avoid the vote fragmentation that characterized the 2023 elections, where the ruling party won with a mere 37% of the vote due to a divided opposition.

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This realignment marks a crucial moment in Nigerian politics as key opposition figures like Rhodes-Vivour seek to consolidate efforts to present a credible alternative to the APC in 2027, endeavoring to deliver better governance and democratic progress for Nigerians .