By Muhammad Mamman
The much-anticipated formal declaration of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday descended into chaos following violent disruptions and a heavy security clampdown.
Armed thugs, allegedly acting in concert with security operatives, stormed the alternative venue secured in Alimosho, scattering Rhodes-Vivour’s supporters. His personal photographer was reportedly assaulted and left badly injured in the fracas.
Eyewitnesses claimed police officers, backed by armed groups, had earlier sealed off the original venue despite full payment being made. Officers allegedly told Rhodes-Vivour that the order came “from above”, advising him to escalate the matter to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
By Friday night, the area had been heavily militarised, with soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) joining police to restrict movement around the venue. A circular later emerged announcing an emergency meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the same location.
The development has fuelled anger among Rhodes-Vivour’s loyalists, who accused the ruling party of orchestrating a deliberate attempt to block his defection to the ADC. Commentators on social media noted that Peter Obi, Labour’s 2023 presidential candidate, had been expected at the event.
The disruption comes against a backdrop of violent attacks on ADC supporters in various parts of the country. The ADC coalition—bringing together leading opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar and Obi—has been billed as a formidable force to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections.
