The Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has dumped the party for the African Democratic Congress.

At an event in the Alimosho Local Government Area to welcome him to the ADC, Mr Rhodes-Vivour described the coalition as one that will rescue Nigeria from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I’m joining the ADC, the coalition. It’s the coalition that’s meant to rescue Nigeria. I’ve said it for the last two years, after the 2023 elections, that we cannot afford to divide the opposition going into the next election. We must come together; we must be united,” the politician said.

Mr Rhodes-Vivour criticised the ruling APC for alleged intimidation of opposition parties through thuggery and violence.

He emphasised the need for a “strong” coalition that will deliver Nigeria from “pirates” that have taken over this country, people that have refused to give us good governance but instead want to maintain power through thuggery, violence, and intimidation.”

“If we sit back and let this become the new normal and define what our politics is, moving forward, the people will not have a voice, and your government will not work for your interest.

“I’m happy to become part of this family. I’m looking forward to the union and the good governance that this party is going to bring to Nigerians, and my prayer is that God will grant our leaders and the party structure the wisdom to be able to come together to define a new path for our beloved country, Nigeria.”

Earlier this year, Mr Rhodes-Vivour, in an interview with Channels Television, responded affirmatively when asked if he would contest the Lagos governorship position in 2027.

“By God’s grace, yes,” he said. “I believe that if all parties do not come together, it is going to be a waste of time running in 2027 because there is a full state capture happening in this country now.

“We cannot afford for the opposition to be separate. For now, my job is to ensure that I have a strong party—the Labour Party.”