APC added that Rhodes-Vivour is only following the footsteps of his mentor, Obi, who is known for moving from one party to another.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State chapter has said the defection of the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour to African Democratic Congress (ADC) is an inconsequential move.
APC made this known recently in a statement by its spokesperson in Lagos, Seye Oladejo.
Rhodes-Vivour, who formally joined the ADC on Saturday at an event in Lagos, said his decision was anchored on the need to strengthen a broad coalition of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at his declaration, Rhodes-Vivour said he was committed to building unity among opposition forces to “rescue Nigeria” through a collective effort.
“I am happy to become part of this family. I look forward to the union and governance this party will deliver to Nigerians. My prayer is that God will grant our leaders and the party’s structure the wisdom to come together and chart a new path for our country,” he said.
ALSO READ: Sowore vows to continue Tinubu’s criticism despite move to deactivate his X account
He further emphasised that the opposition must not enter the 2027 elections divided.
Reacting to his decision to join ADC, the APC in Lagos described the move as yet another instance of political opportunism.
According to Oladejo, Rhodes-Vivour’s defection is a replay of what he termed a “pattern of political nomadism.”
“He is only following the footsteps of his mentor, Peter Obi, who is known for moving from one party to another whenever it suits him. For us in the APC, this is nothing but noise. We remain focused on strengthening our party and delivering good governance to Lagosians. He should learn the ropes rather than keep hopping from one platform to another,” Oladejo said.
The APC spokesman also argued that Rhodes-Vivour posed no electoral threat to the ruling party, insisting that the APC would defeat any candidate presented by the opposition coalition.
“If they eventually give him a ticket, he will still lose. The APC will defeat whoever the opposition fields in 2027. Let’s not forget, he was in the PDP, then moved to the Labour Party before the last election, and now he has landed in the ADC. Clearly, this is not about ideology but ambition,” he added.
