Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has defended his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that the move was not a betrayal of the LP’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi.

Appearing on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme on Sunday, Rhodes-Vivour explained that Obi had been fully informed of his decision and had even sent a representative to attend his formal declaration in Alimosho, Lagos, on Saturday.

“His Excellency was fully aware. In fact, a representative of his was at the declaration. We are in constant communication and aligned in purpose. There is no step I take that he is not aware of,” he said, stressing that the opposition’s chances in 2027 would depend on coalition-building.

His remarks came in response to criticisms from the LP, which described his defection as premature and ill-judged. The party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, argued that Rhodes-Vivour had “jumped the gun,” pointing out that Obi is still engaging opposition leaders while retaining his membership of the LP.

According to Akeni, there is already broad consensus that only a united opposition can effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Rhodes-Vivour, who contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election under the LP, officially joined the ADC as part of a wider coalition of opposition parties unveiled in July. He described the alliance as a “rescue mission” aimed at building a credible third force to confront the APC.

The defection ceremony, initially disrupted by security operatives before being relocated, formally cemented his entry into the coalition, which is actively courting influential political figures ahead of the next general election.