Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) today, a move that comes amidst mounting political tension after police sealed off the venue for the coalition’s planned meeting.
Rhodes-Vivour, who confirmed his formal declaration in a post on his X handle, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of abusing state institutions to suppress opposition voices. His statement followed the sealing of Lion Field in Alimosho, Lagos, a venue that had been approved for the ADC gathering. In a defiant message, Rhodes-Vivour stated, “No amount of police intimidation, sealed venues, or harassment will stop this historic event. Lagos belongs to the people, and we will not be silenced.”
The police action has been widely condemned as an assault on democratic principles, particularly the constitutional right to freedom of assembly. A member of the event’s planning committee confirmed that all necessary approvals had been secured from the police before the venue was cordoned off. As of the time of this report, neither the Lagos State Police Command nor the APC has issued an official response to the accusations.
The incident is the latest in a series of reported disruptions of ADC activities in the state. The coalition has been gaining national traction in recent months, with prominent political figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi reportedly aligning with the party as part of a strategic effort to form a formidable opposition to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. The inclusion of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a popular figure from the 2023 elections, is seen as a significant boost to the ADC’s momentum in Lagos, a key political stronghold.
The unfolding events in Lagos underscore the high stakes of the country’s evolving political landscape as parties and coalitions make strategic moves in preparation for the upcoming elections.
