Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a former Lagos State governorship candidate for the Labour Party, has defended the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) ongoing online membership registration drive, characterizing recent public mockery of the initiative as a dismissive reaction to its perceived success.
In a post on the social media platform X, Rhodes-Vivour argued that critics are engaging in a “coping mechanism” amid significant interest from ordinary Nigerians seeking to join the opposition party. He stated that the online phase represents only the preliminary step in the membership enrollment process.
“The actual confirmation takes place at the ward level. That’s how structure works. That’s how credibility is built,” Rhodes-Vivour wrote. He explained that final validation occurs when new registrants are verified at their local ward, which is the fundamental grassroots unit for political organizing in Nigeria.
Rhodes-Vivour suggested that the public appearance of prominent political figures for this ward-level validation would be a notable event. He specifically referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump and Nigerian political leader Bola Tinubu, who is often referred to by the honorific “Asiwaju,” stating their participation would generate considerable public attention.
The former candidate urged supporters to maintain momentum, writing, “Let them keep tweeting while you keep registering.” He framed the online registration numbers as a foundation for broader organizational growth, emphasizing that enduring political influence is built through verified local structures rather than digital activity alone.
This exchange highlights a recurring tactic in Nigerian politics, where the significance of online engagement is often contrasted with the traditional, territory-based ward system required for official party recognition. For the ADC, a smaller opposition party, demonstrating widespread grassroots membership through this validated process is critical for building a credible national structure ahead of future elections. Rhodes-Vivour’s comments underscore the party’s strategy of focusing on substantive local enrollment over superficial digital metrics.
