Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour condemns police for sealing an ADC meeting in Lagos, stressing opposition unity ahead of 2027 and calling it a step to rescue Nigeria.
The 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has strongly condemned the actions of security operatives who sealed off the venue of a planned African Democratic Congress (ADC) meeting in the state.
The incident occurred on Friday at Lion Field, Ipaja, in Alimosho Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of armed policemen were deployed to the area and stationed at strategic points around the venue.
Video clips shared widely on the social media platform X showed officers blocking access to the field, thereby preventing both organisers and participants from proceeding with the event. Rhodes-Vivour himself, accompanied by his team, was also turned back upon arrival.
In a statement released through his media office, Rhodes-Vivour expressed deep disappointment over what he described as an unnecessary show of force.
He noted that the gathering in question was not a political rally intended to cause disruption, but a peaceful political meeting, which he argued is a right guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution.
“We are not holding a political rally but a political meeting, which we have constitutional rights to do.
“However, we will meet with the Commissioner of Police to find out why his men were there and update the public on what we are told,” he stated.
The Labour Party candidate, who secured second place in the 2023 Lagos governorship election, also used the opportunity to explain why he has chosen to align with the ADC coalition.
He emphasised that his decision is rooted in the urgent need to consolidate opposition forces in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, only a united front can challenge the entrenched structures of those in power, whom he accused of prioritising political dominance over genuine governance.
“I am joining the ADC coalition to stand a chance in 2027 to deliver and rescue Nigeria from those who have refused to give us governance but instead seek to maintain power through violence and intimidation,” Rhodes-Vivour said.
The Lagos State Chairman of the ADC, Mr. George Ashiru, also addressed the gathering and hailed Rhodes-Vivour’s move as a historic development for the coalition.
Ashiru pointed out that the Labour Party candidate was not just another politician switching camps but the symbol of a movement that had energised young Nigerians during the last election cycle.
“This is one of the most important affirmation programmes we have ever held. What we are affirming is not simply one man, but a political movement.
“Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour represents the leadership of a movement that shook Lagos during the 2023 governorship election, and his decision to join forces with us is a major milestone in our collective effort to rescue Nigeria,” Ashiru declared.
Political observers note that Rhodes-Vivour’s entrance into the ADC coalition could mark the beginning of a broader opposition alliance ahead of 2027, particularly as various groups continue to explore ways to build stronger political structures outside the dominance of the ruling party.