Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Joins ADC, Vows to Resist Intimidation in Lagos
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Former Labour Party Candidate Defects to ADC
Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a growing opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Rhodes-Vivour confirmed the development in a post on his X handle on Friday, announcing that he will formally declare his membership at a public event on Saturday.
“I will be declaring for the ADC coalition tomorrow. No amount of police intimidation, sealed venues, or harassment will stop this historic event. Lagos belongs to the people, and we will not be silenced,” he wrote.
Police Seal ADC Venue in Lagos
His announcement came after police operatives sealed Lion Field in Alimosho, Lagos—the approved venue for the ADC’s political meeting scheduled for Saturday.
Rhodes-Vivour condemned the action, describing it as a “blatant attack on democracy” and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state institutions to suppress opposition voices.
“It is truly disappointing that the Lagos APC is abusing state institutions by sealing off the venue where the ADC was scheduled to hold a meeting tomorrow after obtaining the necessary approvals,” he said. “Lagos belongs to all its residents, not a select few. No amount of intimidation or harassment will stop us from engaging with the people.”
Rising Opposition Coalition
Akahi News gathered that the ADC has recently gained momentum after key opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, aligned with the coalition to strengthen opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts say the move signals a new phase of opposition politics in Lagos and nationally, with potential to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming years.
Concerns Over Political Intimidation
The sealing of the venue follows earlier reports of disruptions to ADC activities in Lagos, including alleged assaults on members and interference with political gatherings.
Rights groups and democracy advocates have since called on security agencies to maintain neutrality and ensure opposition parties can operate freely without fear of intimidation or harassment.
Rhodes-Vivour, in his statement, vowed that the coalition would press on with its activities despite the challenges, insisting that Lagos “belongs to the people” and not a “privileged political class.”
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