The Labour Party has labelled Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s switch to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as rash and hasty. They see the move as derailing what was supposed to be a respected coalition for the upcoming 2027 election, as they believe in switching parties.
Tony Akeni, LP’s interim National Publicity Secretary said: “We wanted to honour the principle of a rainbow coalition. Members of any party, whether young or old, migrating is not consistent with the LP model. In any organisation, at any point, unity is eventually to be sought. As a result, there was no need to rush a member’s exit.”
He also advised Rhodes-Vivour to simply go “hurriedly slowly”, and did the right thing as he labelled the exit decision rushed. He continued to say it could send the wrong signals, to people who are expecting solidarity and collaboration, while looking to the opposition for dependable leadership.
Akeni also stated that he has no ill will against Rhodes-Vivour. He meant him well even after jumping ship. The LP maintained that its primary goal is to form a broad-based and inclusive coalition to unseat a sitting APC government in 2027.
Rhodes-Vivour in response defended the switch stating that he had explained to Peter Obi before he transitioned that he was heading to the ADC, and that a representative for Obi had even attended the switch. He mentioned that forming a new coalition was part of a process to build his vision of strengthening the unity of the opposition as another coalition platform.
This development comes as opposition parties renew their efforts to form a single coalition for the upcoming 2027 general election. The LP insists Vivour could have waited until the coalition formed instead of switching parties, while Rhodes-Vivour believes he provided the opposition with fresh impetus towards a cause with the new path they are asking for.
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