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I Remain in ADC, Rhodes-Vivour Reaffirms Loyalty to Coalition

From The Punch · (8m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, reaffirms his loyalty to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
  • He acknowledges defections within Nigeria's opposition but states his commitment to the ADC as the platform for future political endeavors.
  • Rhodes-Vivour asserts his political journey has been driven by conviction, not convenience, and denies compromising with the ruling APC.

In a significant declaration amidst the shifting sands of Nigerian opposition politics, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the former Labour Party governorship candidate for Lagos State, has unequivocally reaffirmed his steadfast loyalty to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This statement comes at a time of considerable realignment and defections within the opposition bloc, testing the unity and resolve of various political platforms.

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.

โ€” Gbadebo Rhodes-VivourReaffirming his commitment to the ADC.

Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the turbulent political climate and the difficult choices faced by some members who have opted to move to different parties. He expressed respect for their decisions, recognizing that paths diverge even when the ultimate goalโ€”a better Nigeriaโ€”remains the same. However, he drew a clear line, stating emphatically, "I want to make it clear that I am staying in the African Democratic Congress (ADC)." He described the ADC not merely as a political party, but as the "platform we have built, the ground we have fought on, and the vehicle that can take us to victory," underscoring a deep-seated commitment rooted in principle rather than political expediency.

My political journey did not begin in comfort. From KOWA, where we built from nothing, to PDP, to Labour Party โ€” 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.

โ€” Gbadebo Rhodes-VivourExplaining the principles guiding his political transitions.

His political trajectory, from KOWA to the PDP and then the Labour Party, is presented as a testament to his unwavering conviction. Rhodes-Vivour insists that each transition was guided by principle, particularly when existing platforms could no longer serve the people honestly. He further emphasized his integrity by stating he has never compromised with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, even when substantial offers were made, reinforcing his image as a principled politician dedicated to fighting for a better Nigeria. This stance resonates with a segment of the electorate disillusioned with political opportunism and seeking leaders grounded in genuine commitment.

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.

โ€” Gbadebo Rhodes-VivourDenying any compromise with the ruling APC and asserting his integrity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.