Dare Babalola
Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has appealed to members of the Obidient movement to remain patient with him following backlash over his decision not to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress.
Rhodes-Vivour made the appeal on Friday through a post on X while responding to concerns from supporters who questioned why he chose to remain in the African Democratic Congress despite recent defections by several opposition figures.
The politician, who contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election, said he remained grateful for the support he received from Obidients and would never take their loyalty for granted.
“I deeply appreciate the love and support shown to me, the movement, His Excellency Peter Obi, and Nigeria as a whole. I will never take the commitment of Obidients for granted,” he wrote.
He acknowledged the disappointment among some supporters over the ongoing political realignments and asked for more time before making further explanations.
“I understand how many people feel at this moment and how events may appear. I only ask for a little more time. There is much I wish I could say,” he added.
Rhodes-Vivour also referenced his earlier departure from the Peoples Democratic Party before the 2023 elections, noting that he had faced criticism at the time but remained confident in his decisions.
“I remember when many PDP supporters mocked me after I left for the Labour Party in 2022. I also remember how that story ended,” he said.
He further assured his supporters that his relationship with the Obidient movement remained strong and hinted at future political plans.
“I ask that you stay patient until the end of this month. By the close of 2027, we will be even stronger together than we were in 2023,” he stated.
His comments followed a lengthy message from one of his supporters who warned that staying in the ADC could affect his political prospects in Lagos State.
The supporter argued that the party lacked the structure needed to challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress in the state and suggested that another opposition figure could become the preferred candidate of Obidients if given a stronger platform.
The exchange comes amid increasing coalition talks and defections among opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rhodes-Vivour had earlier reaffirmed his commitment to the African Democratic Congress, insisting the party remained a viable platform capable of delivering electoral victory in future contests.
