Labour Party Calls Rhodes-Vivour’s Defection to ADC ‘Hasty,’ but Extends Goodwill

The Labour Party (LP) has reacted to the defection of its 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as “hasty” but wishing him success in his political journey.

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Tony Akeni, said Rhodes-Vivour should have exercised more patience before leaving the party.

Despite his departure, the LP emphasized that its priority remains building a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections to challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“It is a settled consensus of the leadership of the Labour Party that a single opposition political party, including the LP, facing elections against Tinubu’s APC tyranny in 2027 may come short of victory,” Akeni said.

He noted that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is already engaging in consultations with opposition forces such as the ADC, the PDP, and aggrieved APC members, with the aim of presenting strong candidates capable of winning elections regardless of party platform.

Akeni stressed that this is why Obi has remained in the LP rather than switching to another political party.

“Rhodes-Vivour should have followed the footsteps of his master. That is what the Labour Party had expected him to do. By hastily switching parties, he has shown that he still has lessons to learn in his political journey. Politicians who genuinely mean to serve their people should learn to hurry slowly,” he added.

The LP concluded by reaffirming its goodwill towards Rhodes-Vivour despite his decision: “As a political party, Labour Party wishes him well.”