Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s (LP) gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 Lagos State elections, has sparked controversy by defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Rhodes-Vivour’s move, announced at a public event in Alimosho, Lagos, positions him as a key player in a nascent opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Rhodes-Vivour framed his defection as a necessary step towards unifying disparate opposition forces against the APC, emphasizing the importance of a united front to enact meaningful change. He portrayed the coalition as a “rescue mission” for Nigeria, highlighting the need for a collective effort to dislodge the APC and steer the country in a new direction. This dramatic shift in political allegiance has, however, drawn sharp criticism from his former party, the LP.
The LP’s response to Rhodes-Vivour’s defection has been swift and critical. The party characterized his move as hasty, ill-advised, and premature, contrasting it with the approach taken by their 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The LP emphasizes Obi’s ongoing engagement with various opposition parties without abandoning his affiliation with the Labour Party, presenting this as the preferred model for inter-party collaboration. They argued that Rhodes-Vivour should have emulated Obi’s strategy, maintaining his LP membership while participating in broader coalition-building efforts. The LP’s statement, released by interim National Publicity Secretary Tony Akeni, underscored the belief that a diverse coalition, reflecting a broad spectrum of political ideologies and voter demographics, is crucial for successfully challenging the APC’s dominance.
The LP’s critique of Rhodes-Vivour’s defection hinges on the conviction that a single opposition party, including the LP itself, lacks the political capital to single-handedly dislodge the APC in the upcoming 2027 elections. They stressed that a unified front, drawing strength from a variety of political perspectives, is the only viable strategy for achieving this objective. By choosing to leave the LP, Rhodes-Vivour has, according to the party, deviated from this crucial strategic principle, opting for a path they deem less effective. They implied that Rhodes-Vivour’s actions demonstrate a political immaturity and a failure to grasp the complexities of navigating the Nigerian political landscape.
The LP’s official statement underscored the importance of a “patriotic manual” centered on cross-party engagement and voter mobilization. This approach, exemplified by Peter Obi’s actions, focuses on building bridges between opposition parties without requiring individual politicians to switch allegiances. The LP contends that this multi-party liaison, aimed at creating a unified front against the ruling APC, is the most effective strategy for achieving political change in 2027. By contrasting Rhodes-Vivour’s defection with Obi’s approach, the LP aimed to highlight what they perceived as a missed opportunity for more impactful collaboration.
While acknowledging the shared goal of unseating the APC, the LP expressed disappointment in Rhodes-Vivour’s decision-making process. They portrayed his actions as impetuous and lacking strategic foresight, suggesting a need for greater patience and a deeper understanding of the political dynamics at play. Despite their criticism, the LP extended well wishes to Rhodes-Vivour, indicating a degree of respect despite their differing views on the best path forward for the opposition. This suggests a potential for future collaboration, despite the current disagreement over strategy.
In essence, Rhodes-Vivour’s defection to the ADC has exposed a fundamental difference in opinion within the opposition regarding the most effective strategy for challenging the ruling APC. While Rhodes-Vivour views joining a new coalition as a crucial step towards unity and strength, the LP believes that maintaining individual party affiliations while engaging in cross-party collaboration is the more prudent and impactful approach. This divergence in strategic thinking raises questions about the future of opposition unity and the potential for forming a truly cohesive force capable of challenging the APC’s dominance in the 2027 elections.
