Defection To ADC Backed By Obi, GRV Rules Out Alignment With Tinubu, Says He Would Quit Politics First

 

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, has drawn a clear line in the sand regarding his political future. He declared that aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s political structure in Lagos would never be an option for him. Appearing on a national television program on Sunday, Rhodes-Vivour insisted he would rather quit politics entirely than compromise his principles.

The young politician, popularly called GRV, described any such alliance as a “complete waste of time.” For him, politics is not about climbing ladders of influence at any cost; it is about protecting an ideology and pursuing a vision. That vision, according to him, is restoring Lagos to its former vibrancy and ensuring the resources of the state benefit ordinary people rather than a select few.

Defection To ADC And Obi’s Blessing

Rhodes-Vivour recently made a high-profile switch from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress. He explained that his defection was not taken in isolation but was part of a broader strategy supported by key opposition leaders. He confirmed that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, was aware of and approved his move. Representatives of Obi were present when Rhodes-Vivour formally declared for ADC in Alimosho, signaling continuity in their collaboration.

He argued that Labour Party had become distracted by internal conflicts that weakened its capacity to build a strong grassroots structure. According to him, ADC offered a more stable platform for mobilising and consolidating opposition strength ahead of the 2027 elections. The decision, he said, was guided by the urgent need to construct a coalition capable of challenging the ruling party’s dominance in Lagos and across Nigeria.

Alimosho Incident Sparks Tensions

Over the weekend, Rhodes-Vivour faced turbulence during a political programme in Alimosho. He alleged that thugs, with police officers looking on, disrupted the event, harassed his supporters, and caused damage to property. The incident, he claimed, highlighted the deep-seated culture of intimidation that has become synonymous with Lagos politics.

The police, however, have denied his account. According to them, no prior notice was given about the gathering, and their presence was to maintain law and order, not to support any attack. Rhodes-Vivour maintains that the disruption was deliberately orchestrated to stifle the momentum of his campaign and intimidate his growing support base.

Mixed Reactions From Parties

While Rhodes-Vivour’s exit from Labour Party drew mixed reactions, his former party wished him well but described his decision as premature. Labour Party leaders emphasized their own ongoing plans to form alliances with other opposition blocs, reaffirming that cooperation remains central to their 2027 agenda.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos was less charitable in its response. Party officials dismissed his defection as inconsequential, arguing that Rhodes-Vivour has a record of moving from one party to another. They expressed confidence that neither ADC nor Rhodes-Vivour posed any real threat to APC’s hold on the state.

Unyielding Political Journey

Rhodes-Vivour’s political journey has been marked by a relentless search for platforms that align with his ideals. From KOWA Party to PDP, Labour Party, and now ADC, his moves reflect a determination to find a political home rooted in service rather than convenience. He has coined terms like “agberocracy” to describe Lagos politics, portraying it as a system built on coercion rather than genuine governance.

He made it clear that his participation in politics has a non-negotiable boundary. If he cannot contribute meaningfully to rebuilding Lagos and steering its resources toward citizens, he would rather step aside and return to private life.

Looking Ahead To 2027

Although Rhodes-Vivour stopped short of formally announcing his governorship ambition for 2027, he hinted strongly at contesting under the ADC banner “by God’s grace.” His coordination with Obi and other opposition figures suggests that preparations for the next electoral cycle are already underway.

For him, politics is not a matter of aligning with powerful individuals but about championing values, building coalitions, and confronting the entrenched system that has long defined Lagos. His refusal to align with Tinubu, even at the cost of leaving politics altogether, underscores the conviction driving his latest political chapter.