‘I am staying in ADC,’ says Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour amid exodus to NDC
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Former Lagos governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced his decision to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid mass defection hitting the coalition platform.
Addressing fellow Lagosians and ADC party faithfuls, Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the turbulent political climate and the difficult choices some opposition figures have made to switch platforms.
Rhodes-Vivour’s statement came amid maas resignation of party faithfuls from the ADC to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The NDC became a party of choice after Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and his counterpart in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, joined the new party.
“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.
The politician added: “To those who have made the difficult decision to move on to a new platform, I offer my genuine respect and best wishes. These are hard choices, made in hard times, and I do not judge anyone for the path they have chosen. We are all fighting for a better Nigeria, even when our roads diverge.”
However, Rhodes-Vivour made his own position crystal clear: “I want to make it clear that I am staying in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). It is the platform we have built, the ground we have fought on, and the vehicle that can take us to victory. It is not because it is the convenient choice, or that the political winds are blowing in our favour. But because of what brought me here and because of what was paid for me to be here.”
The ADC chieftain reflected on his political journey, rooted in principle rather than convenience.
“My political journey did not begin in comfort. From KOWA, where we built from nothing, to PDP, to Labour Party — every step I have taken has been guided by one thing: conviction,” he stated.
He added: “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. I walked away then, and I would walk away again. That is who I am.”
Rhodes-Vivour recounted the personal and collective cost of his political stance, particularly the violence allegedly unleashed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during his declaration for the ADC.
“The day I declared for the ADC in Lagos, the All Progressives Congress (APC) came with violence. They came to intimidate, suppress, and send a message about who owns Lagos. Nine people were injured that day… My own sister left that ground with eight stitches in her head,” he said. “Let that sit for a moment. That is my family. That is the price that was paid simply for the act of declaring… we are here, we are organised, and we are not afraid.”
