A former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has vowed to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) despite the recent defection by ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Mr Rhodes-Vivour, on Tuesday, in a post on X, said he respected the decision by some persons to defect to a new political party, stating that the divergent political paths were aimed at attaining a better Nigeria.

The politician said his decision to remain in the ADC stemmed from the efforts he invested in building the party, as well as his firm belief that the party offers the most viable pathway to victory.

He stated, “To those who have made the difficult decision to move on to a new platform, I offer my genuine respect and best wishes. These are hard choices. We are all fighting for a better Nigeria, even when our roads diverge. I want to make it clear that I am staying in the (ADC).

“I and my team have decided to stay put in the ADC, not because it is convenient, not because it is popular, but because it is the platform that we have built, the ground that we have fought on and the vehicle that we believe will take us to victory.

“I’ve always stood on conviction, that is why despite pressure, despite offer, despite billions placed on the table to bribe me, I have never compromised with the APC in Lagos. That’s why I walked away when agreements were broken. That’s why every political decision I made has been rooted in principle, not personal gain.”

Mr Rhodes-Vivour said he would never forget his experience during the 2023 general elections, when his supporters and polling unit agents were allegedly brutalised by thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“In 2023, something powerful happened and we all witnessed it. We witnessed people rise, people believed. Unfortunately, those same people paid the price. Lives were lost, many were injured, all because they stood for democracy, because they stood for me, because they believed their votes should count.

“I did not sit back. I went to them. I spent two months visiting hospitals. I saw pain. I saw their sacrifice, and I learned something that would never leave me. Those pictures are posted and pinned on my Twitter. So I’m reminded every day for the last three years,” he said.

He noted that winning elections required deliberate organisation and resolute determination to defend votes from polling units to the collation center.

“And since 2023, that is exactly what we have done. We did not retreat, we have not rested. We did not lose focus. We built ward by ward, street by street. We brought people together, the PDP, Labour, ADC, APC. People that were on the other side, because we understand one simple truth, a divided opposition will always lose,” he stated.

Advising members of the public and fellow politicians against always choosing the convenient options, Mr Rhodes-Vivour stated that courage must replace comfort, familiarity and convenience.

“To those who are confused which most or a lot of people will be, to those who are looking for the safe option, I say this, history does not remember those who choose comfort, familiarity or convenience, but remember those who choose courage,” he stated.