Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has explained his decision to join the coalition movement led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting it is a strategic step to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview, Rhodes-Vivour said his action should not be seen as abandoning the LP but as part of efforts to build a united front against the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I do not describe it as leaving the Labour Party. I would describe it as joining the coalition. This is because there is a group of people in the LP that are pro-coalition, who will join the coalition. These are people that I am still working with,” he said.
According to him, the fragmented opposition cannot defeat the APC in 2027, noting that when the votes of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in 2023 are combined, they surpass those of President Bola Tinubu.
Rhodes-Vivour, however, criticised the LP’s internal wrangling, court battles, and conflicting primaries, which he said have weakened the party since the 2023 polls. He argued that the party failed to build a strong structure after enjoying massive support from Obi’s movement.
He stressed that his alignment with the coalition does not sever ties with Obi, saying, “I am with Peter Obi. I have not said I have left the Labour Party; I will say I have joined the coalition because there is a part of the Labour Party that I associate with. It has Peter Obi there. So, we are together.”
Addressing accusations of tribalism, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed them as propaganda aimed at dividing Lagos residents along ethnic lines. He admitted regretting a past comment on Channels TV where he said he does not think in Yoruba, clarifying that it was not meant as an insult but a personal remark taken out of context.
On his criticism of President Bola Tinubu, whom he once referred to as “Afonja,” Rhodes-Vivour said it was based on historical symbolism, accusing the president of prioritising his ambition over the welfare of his people during issues like Ruga settlements and the water resources bill.
He urged youths to reject ethnic divisions and focus on governance failures in Lagos. “They are using tribes as a distraction. Instead of coming together to demand better governance, they are so scared because of what they saw during #EndSARS and how people came together regardless of tribe, age and class,” he stated.
Rhodes-Vivour maintained that his consistency in opposition politics shows his commitment to change, stressing that his coalition move is aimed at building a credible alternative for 2027.
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