Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate for Lagos, announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that this move was made with the full approval and knowledge of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. Rhodes-Vivour asserted on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ that he and Peter Obi maintain close communication and are strategically “aligned” on their political endeavors. He further revealed that a representative of Peter Obi was present at his official declaration to join the ADC, emphasizing that Obi is aware of every step he takes. This decision, according to Rhodes-Vivour, is part of a larger opposition strategy for the upcoming 2027 general elections, positing that a broad coalition is the only viable path to electoral success for the opposition, irrespective of individual party affiliations.

This development sparked a reaction from the interim leadership of the Labour Party. On Sunday, the LP’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tony Akeni, dismissed Rhodes-Vivour's defection as “laughable” and stated that it does not affect the party. Akeni clarified that the LP only addressed the issue due to numerous media inquiries. He acknowledged a consensus within the Labour Party that a single opposition political party, including the LP, would likely fall short against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Therefore, the Labour Party advocates for a “rainbow coalition of multi-party colours” to mobilize the electorate, aiming to remove the APC and President Tinubu’s administration from power and prevent what they perceive as a push towards a one-party state.

Akeni further articulated that this coalition strategy is precisely what Peter Obi is working with, and the Labour Party stands united with him in this endeavor. The party also suggested that the APC might have a