Ex-Lagos gov candidate dumps PDP

Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Funso Doherty, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing a prolonged crisis within the party.

Doherty, who joined the PDP in 2024, announced his resignation in a letter posted on his X handle on Saturday.

Announcing his resignation, Doherty said his decision was informed by recent developments within the party’s leadership structure, particularly a court ruling that nullified its 2025 convention and deepened internal divisions.

He explained that he had earlier written to the President of the Court of Appeal, urging a timely decision on multiple litigations involving the party due to their implications for the electoral process.

Doherty said the subsequent judgment, which invalidated the convention and effectively handed leadership control to a faction aligned with figures supporting the re-election of the ruling All Progressives Congress, was a turning point.

He criticised the development, arguing that it amounted to backing an administration that, in his view, had worsened poverty, insecurity, and the cost of living across the country.

“I will not be a party to sustaining this tragic travesty. The people of Lagos State, many of whom have waited far too long for meaningful improvement in their day-to-day lives from the actions of their government, deserve much better than that.

For a long time, I have advocated the importance of a united opposition. Nigeria’s democracy is fragile and now under increasing threat, so this is not the time for fracturing and division of opposition political forces that believe in accountability, constitutional order, and the welfare of ordinary citizens.

“The need for opposition unity, especially in Lagos State, has never been more urgent than it is today, and I remain committed to working to make it happen. My departure from the PDP is therefore also partly driven by my belief in the pursuit of that united opposition,” he said.

Culled from punch