Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, has disclosed that he obtained the approval of the party’s presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, before officially joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that his political movement is aimed at breaking the dominance of a single political structure in Lagos.
He said, “Yes, certainly. Peter Obi was aware. A representative of his attended my declaration on Saturday. We are in communication and aligned on the way forward. We’ve agreed that building a coalition is the only viable path for the opposition in the 2027 elections.”
On challenging the influence of President Bola Tinubu’s political stronghold in Lagos, he stated, “Lagos does not belong to one man. Our movement is called Our Lagos — a reflection of our belief that governance should serve all residents, not a single individual.”
He criticized the state of infrastructure in areas like Alimosho and accused local authorities of prioritizing political suppression over service delivery.
“If governance was effective, they wouldn’t need to resort to violence or intimidation. That’s the last refuge of politicians who have failed the people,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour’s defection to the ADC signals a potential realignment among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with coalition-building emerging as a key strategy.
