Rhodes-Vivour Joins ADC, Bolsters Opposition Coalition Ahead of 2027 Polls

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State on Saturday formally received Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, into its ranks, describing his defection as a major boost for its coalition-building drive ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ceremony, held in Alimosho Local Government Area, drew party leaders, supporters, and political stakeholders, many of whom hailed the move as a defining step toward uniting the opposition in Lagos and across Nigeria.

Lagos ADC Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru, said Rhodes-Vivour’s switch was more than the entry of a prominent politician—it signified the consolidation of a movement that had already challenged the political order in Lagos.

“We are not affirming one man; we are affirming a movement. What Rhodes-Vivour represents is the leadership of a movement that shook Lagos in the last election,” Ashiru declared. “Our goal is to build a global Lagos, a Lagos for everybody, where citizens and their children can find opportunities for the future.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, represented at the event by Professor Ola Olateju, also sent a message of solidarity, praising the ADC’s efforts at coalition politics.

“ADC is not just a political party; it is a movement of the people. With this philosophy, anybody can become anything irrespective of ethnic group, religion, or class,” Atiku’s message read.

Political observers say Rhodes-Vivour’s entry into ADC could strengthen opposition coordination in Lagos, where the ruling APC has long held sway.