The 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking shortly after his defection ceremony held in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour stated that the ADC represents a strong coalition to rescue Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said: “We are not holding a political rally but a political meeting, which we have constitutional rights to do. However, we will meet with the Commissioner of Police to know why his men are here and whether they are carrying out their duty of providing us protection or otherwise.”

While stating that his defection to ADC was rooted in the need to unite the opposition, the former guber candidate said: “This coalition is meant to rescue Nigeria. Since the 2023 elections, I have said we cannot afford to divide the opposition ahead of 2027. We must come together through a robust, strong coalition that can deliver Nigeria from those who hold power through thuggery, violence, and intimidation.”

“I am happy to become part of this family. My prayer is that God will grant our leaders the wisdom to come together and define a new path for Nigeria,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the ADC Chairman in Lagos, George Ashiru, described the defection as a significant step in building a broad-based coalition, adding that Rhodes-Vivour is the leader of a movement that shook Lagos in 2023.

“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 added that ADC’s vision is for “a global Lagos – Lagos for everybody, where citizens and their children have opportunities for the future.”