Former Labour Party governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour joins ADC in Lagos, strengthening opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State has formally welcomed former Labour Party governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, into its fold, calling the defection a milestone in the party’s coalition-building strategy for the 2027 general elections.

Also read: Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour calls for vibrant opposition to challenge APC, discusses 2027 governorship ambitions

The reception, held on Saturday in Alimosho Local Government Area, brought together party leaders, supporters, and political stakeholders who hailed the move as a significant step toward unifying opposition forces in Lagos and beyond.

In his address, Lagos ADC Chairman George Ashiru said Rhodes-Vivour’s entry signified more than a personal decision it represented the consolidation of a movement that shook Lagos in the 2023 governorship polls.

“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.

The coalition did not start three months ago, it began two years ago, and today we are celebrating it,” Ashiru said.

He reaffirmed ADC’s vision of inclusivity, stressing the party’s goal of building“a global Lagos, a Lagos for everybody, where citizens and their children can find opportunities for the future.”

Adding weight to the occasion, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar sent a solidarity message delivered by Professor Ola Olateju.

Atiku commended ADC’s coalition-building efforts, describing the party as “not just a political party, but a movement of the people.”

He emphasised that its philosophy of inclusivity means “anybody can become anything irrespective of ethnic group, religion, or class.”

Also read: Lagos is not a no man’s land, Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour echoes General Mobolaji Johnson’s words

Rhodes-Vivour’s move to ADC marks a significant realignment within Lagos opposition politics, as parties explore new alliances in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.