In a direct appeal to the “Obidient” movement, former Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV) has asked his supporters for “a bit of time” following his decision to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The appeal, made on Friday, May 8, 2026, comes amidst a wave of criticism from supporters who expected him to follow Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The “Wait Till Month’s End” Appeal
Responding to a viral post from a supporter warning that staying in the ADC could “damage his political prospects,” GRV took to social media to urge patience:
- The Request: “I understand how you feel… I only ask you for a bit of time. There is so much I wish I could explain,” he wrote.
- The Deadline: He specifically asked his followers to hold their judgment until the end of May: “I only ask that you hold on till the end of the month. I promise you at the end of 2027 we will be closer than we were in 2023.”
- The PDP Precedent: Recalling his 2022 move from the PDP to the Labour Party, he reminded critics that he was “ridiculed and laughed to scorn” back then, only for the move to eventually ignite the 2023 “Obidient” surge in Lagos.
Why GRV is Staying in the ADC
Earlier in the week (May 5), GRV issued a formal statement explaining why he is not joining the NDC “Third Force” just yet:
- Grassroots Investment: He argued that the ADC is a platform his team has spent three years building “ward by ward, street by street” in Lagos.
- Principle Over Convenience: GRV emphasized that his decision is rooted in conviction rather than political convenience. “I am staying in the ADC… because of what was paid for me to be here,” he stated, referencing the sacrifices made by his supporters during the 2023 elections.
- No Compromise: He reiterated his refusal to compromise with the APC in Lagos, claiming he has rejected “billions of naira” in bribes to maintain his integrity as an opposition leader.
The “Obidient” Dilemma
The refusal to join the NDC has sparked a heated debate within the movement:
- The Funso Doherty Factor: Some supporters have suggested that if GRV remains in the “weaker” ADC, the Obidient movement may shift its loyalty to Funso Doherty, should the latter secure the NDC governorship ticket for Lagos.
- Divided Opposition: Critics warn that a split between the NDC and ADC could hand an easy victory to the APC in 2027, echoing GRV’s own warning that “a divided opposition will always lose.”
