The Labour Party (LP) has criticised its former Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, over his decision to dump the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as premature and ill-advised.

Rhodes-Vivour, who contested the 2023 Lagos State governorship seat under the platform of LP, formally announced his defection to the ADC on Saturday at an event in Alimosho LGA of the State.

The event, initially disrupted by security operatives before being relocated, was part of a broader coalition of opposition parties under the ADC platform aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in 2027.

In his declaration speech, Rhodes-Vivour said his decision was informed by the need to build a united opposition front against the ruling APC.

“I am happy to become part of this family. I’m looking forward to the union and governance that this party will bring to Nigerians. My prayer is that God will grant our leaders and the party’s structure the wisdom to come together and define a new path for our beloved country,” he said.

He described the ADC-led coalition as a “rescue mission,” stressing the urgency of unity among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“This is a coalition that is meant to rescue Nigeria. I have said since after the 2023 elections that we cannot afford to divide the opposition going into the next election. We must come together, united through a robust coalition that will stand a chance in 2027 to deliver this country,” Rhodes-Vivour declared.