Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate in the 2023 Lagos State governorship election, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). But what was meant to be a bold political move has drawn sharp criticism from his former party, which described the defection as premature and poorly thought out.
Rhodes-Vivour made his announcement on Saturday at a rally in Alimosho Local Government Area, an event that was briefly disrupted by security operatives before being relocated. The gathering also served as a launchpad for a coalition of opposition parties rallying under the ADC to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking to supporters, Rhodes-Vivour explained that his decision was driven by the need to unite opposition voices against the APC. He described the ADC-led alliance as a “rescue mission” designed to present Nigerians with a stronger alternative. “This coalition is about rescuing Nigeria,” he declared. “Since the 2023 elections, I have said that the opposition cannot afford to go into the next election divided.”
However, the Labour Party quickly responded with disapproval. In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, faulted Rhodes-Vivour for what he called a “jumping the gun” decision. He argued that the move ignored the broader strategy championed by Peter Obi, LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, which promotes unity among opposition parties without requiring defections.
“Our position is clear,” Akeni stated. “What Nigerians need is a rainbow coalition of diverse political forces united under a common mobilisation effort. That is how we will defeat the APC and end President Bola Tinubu’s rule in 2027. One party alone, not even Labour, can achieve this on its own.”
Akeni further noted that Rhodes-Vivour should have followed Obi’s example of building alliances while remaining firmly within the Labour Party. “By hastily switching parties, he has shown he still has a lot to learn in his young political career,” Akeni added. “True leaders must understand that while speed is important, wisdom and patience are just as essential.”
Despite the sharp words, Akeni concluded by wishing Rhodes-Vivour success in his political journey, even as the Labour Party distances itself from the move.
The defection has since stirred fresh debates about the strength of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of 2027, with analysts warning that fractured alliances could play into the hands of the ruling APC.