(DDM) – Former Lagos State Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has dismissed claims that he abandoned the party, stressing his commitment to building a broad political coalition ahead of 2027.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Rhodes-Vivour made the clarification during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday.
He explained that his decision to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was not a defection but part of a wider coalition strategy.
According to him, the Labour Party has been divided into factions, with one bloc supporting coalition-building as a path to stronger opposition politics.
Rhodes-Vivour maintained that joining the coalition demonstrated greater consistency than what is usually observed in Nigeria’s political culture.
“The fact that I have constantly remained in the opposition throughout my political career shows more consistency than average,” he said.
He insisted that the coalition effort is aimed at strengthening the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“A coalition is the coming together of several political parties and thinkers, and the ADC has been adopted for that purpose,” he explained.
He further noted that the coalition enjoys strong support from Obidient groups in Lagos, who continue to rally around reformist politics.
Rhodes-Vivour stressed that his membership in ADC should not be interpreted as abandonment of LP but as part of a collective strategy.
“The ADC is in alliance with the Obidients in Lagos State, and we are focused on building a robust coalition,” he added.
Political observers say his clarification comes amid increasing speculation about realignments among opposition leaders as Nigeria edges towards 2027.
They note that coalition politics could reshape the contest, especially if major figures like Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and others converge under a unified platform.
Rhodes-Vivour’s remarks echo recent calls by political strategists who argue that only a united opposition front can challenge the ruling APC effectively.
With talks of coalition-building gaining momentum, attention is shifting towards how parties like ADC, LP, and NNPP could merge interests.
Analysts believe the next two years will prove crucial for Nigeria’s opposition, with coalition agreements potentially deciding the 2027 presidential race.