Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the former governorship candidate for the Labour Party in Lagos State, has put to rest the swirling rumors regarding his political future by confirming his full commitment to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on Tuesday, the politician addressed the shifting sands of the Nigerian political landscape, acknowledging that several of his peers have recently migrated to different parties.
He described the current atmosphere in the opposition as one of significant transition and pressure.
His words, “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. 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,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that his decision to stay with the ADC is not born out of convenience but out of a deep-seated belief in the party’s potential to serve as a genuine alternative for Nigerians.
He highlighted his history of switching platforms only when they no longer aligned with his core values, citing his transitions from KOWA to the PDP and eventually to the Labour Party as evidence of his principled approach.
“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,” he said.
The architect-turned-politician further noted, “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. And when those spaces could no longer serve the people honestly, I moved on out of principle. Every political decision I have ever made has been rooted in that principle, not in personal gain.”
Addressing long-standing allegations of cozying up to the ruling party in Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour stated firmly that he has never entertained any deals with the All Progressives Congress (APC). He claimed to have turned down massive financial incentives and lucrative agreements to maintain his integrity.
“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,” he added.
Moving forward, the former candidate revealed that he has been quietly working behind the scenes to strengthen the opposition’s grassroots presence.
He mentioned that extensive work is being done at the ward levels across various local government areas in Lagos to ensure a more coordinated effort ahead of the next year’s election.
