Rhodes-Vivour Stays Put In ADC, Pledges Loyalty Amid Opposition Shake-up

Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has reaffirmed his commitment to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), distancing himself from recent defections and realignments within Nigeria’s opposition bloc.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday to Lagos residents and ADC supporters, Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the growing turbulence in opposition politics, noting that some members have chosen to pursue their ambitions on different political platforms.

His comments come in the wake of high-profile defections by Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who recently joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Both leaders had urged their supporters to avoid legal disputes and instead focus on national development, during their formal reception in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reflecting on the moment, Rhodes-Vivour described Nigeria’s political climate as a defining period marked by uncertainty and shifting alliances.

“We are living through a defining moment. Our politics is turbulent, the unity of the opposition is being tested, and for some, it has become necessary to forge different paths,” he said, adding that he respects the decisions of those who have chosen to leave.

Despite the changes, he stressed that his loyalty remains firmly with the ADC, which he described as a platform he has helped to build and strengthen.

“I want to make it clear that I am staying in the African Democratic Congress. It is the platform we have built, the ground we have fought on, and the vehicle that can take us to victory,” he stated, noting that his decision is rooted in conviction rather than political convenience.

Tracing his political journey, Rhodes-Vivour said his movement across parties—from KOWA to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and later the Labour Party—has always been guided by principle.

He also maintained that he has never aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, insisting he rejected offers that conflicted with his values.

“I have never compromised with the APC in Lagos. Not when it was convenient. Not when agreements were put on the table. Not when billions were placed before me,” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour further emphasised the need for organisation and grassroots strength in Nigeria’s political process, particularly in safeguarding electoral mandates from polling units to collation centres.

He noted that efforts to sustain opposition structures in Lagos have continued since the 2023 elections, with a focus on ward-level mobilisation and coordination across local government areas.

Rhodes-Vivour, who contested the 2023 Lagos State governorship election under the Labour Party, mounted a strong campaign that attracted significant youth support but ultimately lost to incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC.

His reaffirmation of loyalty to the ADC comes amid ongoing fragmentation within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, as parties including the Labour Party, PDP, and ADC navigate shifting alliances ahead of the next general elections.