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Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour joins ADC, slams APC for suppressing opposition in Lagos ahead of 2027 elections.
Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has officially pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), setting the stage for a heated political showdown in Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections.
Rhodes-Vivour confirmed the move in a post on his X handle late Friday, declaring he would formally announce his membership on Saturday despite what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to clamp down on opposition.
“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 Shut Down ADC Venue
His statement followed the dramatic closure of Lion Field in Alimosho, a venue earlier approved for an ADC political gathering. Police operatives reportedly sealed off the field on Friday evening, sparking outrage within the coalition.
Calling the action “an assault on democracy,” Rhodes-Vivour accused the Lagos APC of weaponising state institutions to suppress rival 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.
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Opposition Fires Back
The move is the latest in a series of disruptions targeted at ADC activities in Lagos, including alleged assaults on members and interference with political meetings.
Rhodes-Vivour, however, maintained that intimidation would not derail the coalition’s push for inclusion:
“Lagos belongs to all its residents, not a select few. No amount of harassment will stop us from engaging with the people.”
2027 Elections in Focus
The ADC has recently emerged as a growing force after opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi aligned with the coalition. Analysts say Rhodes-Vivour’s defection further strengthens the party’s bid to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 polls.
