Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Meets Aregbesola, Lagos Party Leaders Over Attacks on ADC: “We Will Not Back Down”

Opposition leader and prominent member of the ADC Coalition, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has disclosed details of a high-level meeting with former Minister of Interior and influential APC stalwart, Rauf Aregbesola, as well as key Lagos party leaders, to address the recent wave of political violence and attacks targeting the ADC across Lagos and other regions.

In a statement released via his verified social media handle, Rhodes-Vivour revealed that the discussions centered on the disturbing and increasing pattern of intimidation, disruption of political gatherings, and targeted aggression toward opposition figures — incidents he says threaten Nigeria’s fragile democracy.

“I had a very important meeting with His Excellency, @raufaregbesola, alongside some Lagos party leaders,” he wrote. “We discussed at length the disturbing violence and attacks that were recently carried out against the ADC here in Lagos and in other parts of the country.”

Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that the meeting was not just symbolic, but strategic, as a firm collective position was reached. While full details of their resolutions are yet to be made public, he assured supporters that concrete steps are already being taken and will be unveiled in the coming days.

“We have collectively taken a firm position on this matter and steps to be taken that we will be announcing very soon,” he stated.

Reaffirming his unwavering commitment to democratic values, Rhodes-Vivour stressed that the fight for justice, inclusion, and fair political competition is not personal, but a national cause that demands the active participation of all Nigerians.

“What I can say now is that the fight for our democracy and the soul of Nigeria is not mine alone. It is a collective struggle and we will not back down.”

His words have since ignited support from pro-democracy advocates, civil society groups, and politically active youths across the country, many of whom have praised the move as a sign of growing resistance to authoritarian tendencies within the political system.

The ADC has, in recent weeks, reported multiple incidents of venue cancellations, police interference, and violent disruptions during scheduled events — particularly in Lagos, where the political environment remains tense.

Rhodes-Vivour himself had earlier accused the Nigerian Police of colluding with APC-aligned thugs to prevent the party’s activities in Alimosho — claims that have yet to be officially addressed by authorities.

While Aregbesola remains a figure within the ruling APC, his growing alignment with democratic reformers and critics of the current party structure has raised eyebrows. Political analysts believe this meeting signals a potential realignment of forces ahead of 2027, and could increase pressure on entrenched powers in Lagos and beyond.

“If voices like Aregbesola begin to speak out against political violence — even from within the system — then the tide may be turning,” one analyst noted.