The Lagos State chapter of he All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the defection of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as another display of political opportunism.
Rhodes-Vivour officially joined the ADC on Saturday during a ceremony in Lagos, declaring that his decision was aimed at strengthening a broad coalition of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ADC has recently been adopted as the platform for an emerging coalition of opposition forces dissatisfied with both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at the event, Rhodes-Vivour said his defection was driven by the need for unity among opposition parties to “rescue Nigeria” from its current challenges.
“I am glad to join this family. I look forward to the collaboration and governance this party can deliver to Nigerians. My prayer is that God grants our leaders and party structures the wisdom to unite and chart a new course for our country,” he said.
He stressed that opposition parties must not go into the 2027 elections divided.
“Since after the 2023 elections, I have maintained that we cannot afford fragmentation. Only a united and strong coalition gives us a real chance to deliver Nigeria,” he added.
Reacting, the APC spokesperson in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, dismissed the move as irrelevant, accusing Rhodes-Vivour of following a “pattern of political nomadism.”
“He is merely walking in the footsteps of his mentor, Peter Obi, who is known for switching parties whenever convenient. For us in the APC, this is nothing but noise. We remain focused on delivering good governance to Lagosians. Instead of hopping from one party to another, he should learn the basics of politics,” Oladejo said.
Oladejo further argued that Rhodes-Vivour’s defection posed no threat to the ruling party.
“Even if he secures the coalition’s ticket, he will still lose. The APC will defeat any candidate they present in 2027. Let’s not forget, he moved from PDP to Labour Party before the last election and now to ADC. This is clearly about ambition, not ideology,” he added.
Advertisement
