The Labour Party (LP) has criticised its 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, for defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that his action reflects “political haste” at a time when patience and strategy are most needed.
In a statement signed by Interim National Publicity Secretary, Prince Tony Akeni, the party said Nigeria’s democratic future rests not on defections but on forging a formidable coalition capable of breaking the grip of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
“The path of wisdom chosen by our 2023 presidential flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi, is clear—remain firmly with the Labour Party while opening dialogue with other opposition parties and reform-minded blocs within the APC to build a rainbow coalition,” the statement said.
LP stressed that such a broad alliance is the only realistic safeguard against Nigeria sliding into what it described as a one-party dictatorship, adding that Rhodes-Vivour’s defection undermines the patience required for long-term political success.
“True leaders must learn to hurry slowly. Gbadebo’s move is premature, and it runs contrary to the strategic coalition-building already in motion,” the party cautioned.
While wishing him well in his new party, the LP declared that his departure will not derail its resolve to anchor a united opposition front under Obi’s leadership ahead of the next general election.