The Labour Party (LP) has criticized its former Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, for defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as "hasty" and "ill-advised". Rhodes-Vivour formally announced his switch to the ADC on Saturday during an event in Alimosho, Lagos, which was initially disrupted by security operatives.
LP's Reaction
LP's interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, faulted Rhodes-Vivour's decision, stating that he had "jumped the gun" and ignored the political approach modelled by the party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Akeni emphasized that the LP, along with Obi, believes no single opposition party can unseat the APC in 2027, but Rhodes-Vivour's defection was not the right approach ¹ ².
Reasons Behind LP's Criticism
- *Lack of Patience*: Akeni noted that Rhodes-Vivour should have followed Obi's footsteps and engaged in broad-based multi-party liaison with all well-meaning opposition political parties without defecting.
- *Premature Decision*: The LP views Rhodes-Vivour's decision as premature, arguing that a rainbow coalition of multi-party colors carrying along Nigeria's ballot population would be more effective in sacking the APC in 2027 ³.
Rhodes-Vivour's Justification
Rhodes-Vivour described the ADC-led coalition as a "rescue mission," stressing the need for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that the coalition aims to deliver Nigeria from those who have refused to give good governance ¹.
Conclusion
Despite criticizing Rhodes-Vivour's decision, the Labour Party wished him well in his new political journey. The party remains committed to its strategy of building a broad-based coalition to challenge the ruling APC in 2027 ³.
