Following the bombshell exit of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has received a major vote of confidence from one of its most prominent figures.
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate, officially broke his silence on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, declaring that he will not follow his former allies to the new “mega-party.”
“I Remain in ADC”
In a detailed statement shared across his social media platforms, Rhodes-Vivour described the current state of the opposition as “turbulent” but insisted that his loyalty to the ADC is rooted in principle rather than political convenience.
- Building the Foundation: Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that his decision to stay is based on the grassroots structures he and his team have invested in since joining the party. “It is the platform we have built, the ground we have fought on, and the vehicle that can take us to victory,” he noted.
- Respect for the Defectors: While many expected him to join the “Obidient-Kwankwasiyya” merger in the NDC, he offered his “genuine respect” to Obi and Kwankwaso. He stated that he does not judge their move, acknowledging that they are all fighting for a better Nigeria, even if their “roads diverge.” +1
- A “Lagos Choice”: He reaffirmed his commitment to his governorship ambitions in Lagos, stating that his focus remains on “doing the work” of grassroots organizing rather than chasing shifting political winds.
The Billions Refused
In a move that has sparked intense conversation online, Rhodes-Vivour also used the statement to clarify his stance on political integrity.
- No Compromise with APC: He claimed to have rejected “agreements and financial inducements running into billions of naira” from the ruling APC in Lagos.
- Consistency: He argued that his history—moving from KOWA to PDP to Labour and finally ADC—has always been guided by whether a space “serves the people honestly.” For now, he believes the ADC remains that space
