Gbadebo Rhodes‑Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos, officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday in the Alimosho Local Government Area. The event was nearly disrupted by an alleged attempt by suspected political thugs to cause chaos, and the presence of police officers at the venue created unease among attendees.
After receiving the ADC flag, Rhodes‑Vivour addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the gathering was a constitutional political meeting, not a campaign rally. He said he would seek clarification from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police about the deployment of officers, questioning whether their purpose was to protect the event or to intimidate participants.
Rhodes‑Vivour explained that his decision to join the ADC was driven by the need for opposition forces to collaborate and strengthen their position. He stressed that a unified opposition is essential to challenge those who use violence and intimidation to maintain power. He warned that if such tactics continue to dominate the political landscape, governance will remain ineffective and citizens will be denied a voice.
Expressing optimism about his new affiliation, Rhodes‑Vivour said he was happy to join the ADC family and prayed that the party’s leaders would be granted the wisdom and courage to lead the country toward a better future through unity and purposeful leadership.
The defection is viewed as a significant development in Nigeria’s political arena, especially in the context of the 2023 elections. The ADC has been gaining prominence as a platform for opposition forces to unite and challenge the dominant parties, and Rhodes‑Vivour’s move is likely to boost the party’s profile and strengthen its position. As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the ADC’s growing influence and the unity of opposition forces are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the country’s political trajectory.
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