Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos, has defended his decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressing that Peter Obi was not caught unawares by the move. He explained that Obi was briefed about the plan and even sent a representative to attend the declaration event.
Rhodes-Vivour officially announced his defection to the ADC on Saturday, September 6, in Alimosho, Lagos, where he joined a coalition of opposition forces seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. He described the alliance as a “rescue mission” designed to unite political movements around a common vision for Nigeria’s future.
His action, however, has drawn criticism from the Labour Party leadership. LP’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, faulted the move as hasty and inconsistent with Obi’s coalition-building strategy. According to Akeni, Obi has been engaging other opposition groups while remaining firmly within the LP, a stance he believes reflects political discipline and long-term planning.
Despite the backlash, Rhodes-Vivour maintains that his defection is in line with broader efforts to consolidate opposition strength, insisting that the ultimate goal is to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative in the next general elections.
