2027: Rhodes-Vivour Clears the Air — “I Didn’t Dump LP, We’re Building a Robust Coalition”

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate for Lagos in 2023, has clarified recent reports about his political allegiance. In an interview on Prime Time with Arise Television, he insisted that he has not dumped the Labour Party. He emphasized that LP is currently split into factions, one of which is actively pro-coalition. Rhodes-Vivour said that the coalition decided to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform, and he is now a registered member of ADC.

Rhodes-Vivour also revealed that his long-term goal remains contesting in the 2027 elections, and he believes that coalition-building is integral to mounting a serious challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He highlighted lessons learned from the 2023 polls: the importance of ground networks, community engagement, and stronger structures for opposition parties. He said that by working together across parties, the coalition can become more formidable.

Part of his concern in making the clarification stems from criticisms of his move to ADC. Labour Party insiders previously described his defection as hasty or ill-advised, arguing that LP needs unity and internal consolidation. Rhodes-Vivour responded that he had informed Peter Obi before his transition to ADC and that his actions are aligned with the faction of LP that supports coalition with opposition forces. He defended the decision as not abandoning principles, but choosing a vehicle (ADC) that can carry broader opposition alignment.

Whether this coalition strategy will translate into electoral success depends on cohesion, shared agendas, and visibility.

Do you think Rhodes-Vivour's coalition approach is the right strategy against APC? Can the opposition stay united through 2027, or will internal tensions undermine their goals? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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