Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour,Former Labour Party governorship aspirant in Lagos State, has urged members of the Obidient Movement to remain calm and patient following criticism over his decision to remain in the African Democratic Congress rather than move to the Nigerian Democratic Congress.
Rhodes-Vivour made the appeal in a message shared on X on Friday after several supporters questioned why he chose not to defect alongside Peter Obi and other opposition politicians who recently aligned with the NDC.
Reacting to a strongly worded post by an Obidient supporter known as @firstladyship, he admitted that many supporters were troubled by the latest political developments and the shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
He thanked Obidients for their loyalty and dedication, stressing that the movement’s support for him, Peter Obi, and the broader goal of national transformation remained deeply appreciated. According to him, the commitment shown by supporters during the 2023 elections would never be overlooked.
The former Lagos governorship contender acknowledged the concerns being raised by supporters but pleaded for patience, noting that there were several matters he could not yet disclose publicly.
Rhodes-Vivour also referenced the criticism he faced after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party to join the Labour Party in 2022. He recalled that many PDP loyalists mocked his decision at the time, but events later proved the move worthwhile politically.
He assured Obidients that his bond with the movement remained solid despite his continued stay in the ADC. He further appealed to supporters to wait until the end of the month before judging his political direction, expressing confidence that by the conclusion of the 2027 elections, their alliance would be stronger than it was during the 2023 polls.
His response followed a lengthy message from the supporter, who argued that remaining in the ADC might weaken his chances of becoming governor in Lagos State. The supporter maintained that the party lacked the political strength and grassroots structure required to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.
The supporter further suggested that former Lagos governorship aspirant, Funso Doherty, could become the preferred choice among Obidients if he eventually secured the NDC governorship ticket.
The controversy highlights the growing political restructuring taking place within opposition circles as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Earlier in the week, Rhodes-Vivour reaffirmed his commitment to the African Democratic Congress despite the exit of several prominent opposition figures to the NDC. He insisted that the ADC remained the platform he and his allies had developed over time and argued that it still possessed the potential to secure electoral success.
Political tensions increased further after Peter Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, officially joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress as part of a wider coalition seeking to challenge the ruling APC in the next presidential election cycle.
