Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party's governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 election, has declared that he will not be joining Peter Obi in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In a video released on social media on Tuesday, May 5, the former gubernatorial candidate wished Obi and others well but affirmed his decision to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Background of the Political Shift
This announcement comes a day after Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the same election, announced his defection from the ADC to the NDC. Many Nigerians, especially supporters of the Obidient movement, had been eagerly awaiting Rhodes-Vivour's stance following Obi's move. Both politicians campaigned together in Lagos during the 2023 elections, mobilizing thousands of voters for their rallies and programmes. Obi emerged victorious in the presidential election in Lagos, while Rhodes-Vivour secured the second position in the state governorship election.
After the elections, internal crises within the Labour Party prompted both politicians to leave for the ADC. However, Obi's subsequent exit from the ADC on Monday, May 4, and his entry into the NDC, set the stage for Rhodes-Vivour's independent decision.
Public Reactions to Rhodes-Vivour's Decision
The former governorship candidate's declaration has sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of the comments:
- Balogun commented: "Politics is not about emotion but about who is the smartest. All political parties are guilty of malpractice one way or the other. Why can't you add this to your pictures where your former party was rigging right here in Lagos? I can assure you, this will never happen again."
- Umukoro said: "Obi never leaves you? E don leave you! Now you understand why no past commissioner or SSA is backing or supporting him after eight years of working with him as governor. Even Datti Baba Ahmed sef don confess. Una go learn by fire by force."
- Sadam commented: "Staying back might feel like a safe move, but politically it’s a costly one. You’ve already aligned yourself with the Obedient movement; walking away from that base now only weakens your position. Before, you struggled to pull 1,000 votes; at this rate, you risk cutting that influence in half. Sometimes, holding on isn’t a strength, it’s a miscalculation."
- Oris~Monie commended: "This guy here has earned my respect, and history will forever be kind to you. When every other person chooses to jump ship. This is how to know who will be a Good leader. You have earned yourself a follower."
Analysis and Implications
Rhodes-Vivour's decision to remain in the ADC marks a significant divergence from the political path taken by Obi. While Obi seeks to pursue his presidential ambition through the NDC, Rhodes-Vivour appears to be consolidating his position within the ADC, potentially positioning himself for future political contests. This move could reshape the dynamics of the opposition in Lagos and beyond, as supporters and analysts observe the evolving landscape.
