Former Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has reaffirmed his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite ongoing defections and realignments within Nigeria’s opposition.

In a statement released Tuesday, Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the growing instability within opposition ranks, noting that some political figures have chosen to move to other platforms.

“We are living through a defining moment… the unity of the opposition is being tested,” he said, adding that he respects those who have taken different political paths.

However, he made it clear that he would remain with the ADC, describing the party as a platform he has helped build and believes can deliver electoral success.

“It is the platform we have built… not because it is convenient, but because of what brought me here,” he stated.

Rhodes-Vivour traced his political journey through parties including KOWA, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the Labour Party, saying his decisions have consistently been guided by conviction rather than personal gain.

He also reiterated his stance against aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting he had previously rejected offers that conflicted with his principles.

According to him, effective opposition politics requires strong grassroots organisation and the capacity to defend electoral mandates at all levels.

He added that efforts to sustain opposition structures in Lagos have continued since the 2023 elections, with emphasis on mobilisation at ward and local government levels.

Rhodes-Vivour, who contested the 2023 governorship election under the Labour Party, lost to incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

His comments come amid broader shifts in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, including recent defections by prominent figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to new political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.