Rhodes-Vivour Rules Out Defection, Backs ADC

Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has said he will remain in the African Democratic Congress despite the recent wave of defections in opposition politics.

Rhodes-Vivour made his position known in a statement on Tuesday. He said Nigeria’s opposition space was going through a difficult moment, with political alliances under pressure and some members choosing new platforms.

He said he respected those who had decided to leave the ADC, but insisted that his own path remained unchanged.

Rhodes-Vivour Backs ADC

Rhodes-Vivour said he would stay in the ADC because he believes in the platform and the work already done there.

According to him, the ADC is not just another party to him. He described it as a political home that he and his supporters have helped to build.

He said his decision was not based on convenience or political pressure. Instead, he said it came from conviction and the sacrifices that brought him into the party.

“I want to make it clear that I am staying in the African Democratic Congress,” he said.

He Respects Those Who Left

Rhodes-Vivour admitted that the opposition is facing a serious test. He said some politicians may feel the need to take different routes as the political climate changes.

However, he said he would not condemn anyone for leaving.

He explained that many opposition figures still want a better Nigeria, even if they now belong to different parties.

His message came at a time when defections are reshaping Nigeria’s opposition camp ahead of the next election cycle.

A Political Journey Built on Conviction

Rhodes-Vivour also reflected on his political journey.

He said he had moved through different parties in the past, including KOWA, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party. But he said each move came from principle, not personal benefit.

He said he left platforms only when he believed they could no longer serve the people honestly.

For him, politics should not be about comfort or quick advantage. It should be about service, trust and conviction.

No Deal With APC

Rhodes-Vivour also said he had never compromised with the ruling All Progressives Congress in Lagos State.

He claimed he rejected offers that went against his principles, even when they came with huge financial promises.

According to him, he walked away from those offers before and would do the same again.

His statement appears aimed at reassuring supporters who may be worried about the future of the ADC and the wider opposition movement.

What This Means

Rhodes-Vivour’s decision sends a clear message. He wants to remain with the ADC while others search for new political platforms.

His position also shows that opposition politics may become more fragmented in the coming months.

For now, Rhodes-Vivour is presenting himself as a politician who wants to stay with the structure he helped build, rather than follow the latest wave of defections.