The planned formal declaration of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s former governorship candidate in Lagos, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday was marred by violence and heavy security presence.
Suspected thugs, reportedly acting with the support of security operatives, stormed the second venue secured for the event in Alimosho, dispersing Rhodes-Vivour’s supporters.
His personal photographer was said to have been severely injured during the attack.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the police, alongside armed groups, blocked access to the original venue despite full payment having been made. The police reportedly told Rhodes-Vivour that the directive came “from above” and advised him to take the matter up with the Commissioner of Police.
It is understood that the area was further militarised late Friday night, with soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) joining the police to restrict movement around the location. A circular was later issued announcing an emergency meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the same venue.
The development has sparked outrage among Rhodes-Vivour’s supporters, who described the incident as a deliberate attempt to frustrate his defection to the ADC. According to a supporter with user @afrisagacity on X, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, was expected to attend the event.
The disruption comes amid violence against ADC supporters across different locations in the country.
The ADC coalition involves opposition leaders including Atiku Abubakar and Obi, aimed at mounting a strong challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.