Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Dismisses Defection to APC Rumours, Declares Loyalty to Labour Party

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, has dismissed rumors suggesting he plans to leave the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, Rhodes-Vivour labeled the claims as false, categorically denying any intention to join the APC. He described the APC as “a gathering of the wicked” and “a congregation of jesters,” stating that the thought of aligning with the party had never crossed his mind.

Rhodes-Vivour criticized individuals who protest against the government only to later accept appointments from the same administration. He emphasized that joining the APC is not an option for him, underscoring the need for individuals to hold the government accountable.

Accompanying his statement with a video, Rhodes-Vivour wrote:
“The news making the rounds that I’m about joining the APC is false. I have no reason to join the gathering of the wicked or fellowship in the congregation of jesters. Just as I have done since the start of my political journey, I remain firmly with the people, who deserve better than what the APC has offered over the past 24 years.”

Meanwhile, the Labour Party, under the leadership of its National Chairman, Julius Abure, has announced the creation of a Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs. The development was revealed on Tuesday in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, following a virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

According to Ifoh, the new directorate will oversee the activities of Labour Party members in the diaspora, ensuring their active participation in the party’s initiatives. Prof. Eddie Oparaoji has been appointed as the head of the directorate, with Aju Elumelu serving as the secretary.