Funso Doherty Resigns from PDP, Cites APC Influence After Court Ruling
Prominent Lagos politician Funso Doherty has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a recent court ruling that he claims effectively transfers control of the party to individuals aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement released on Saturday, Doherty explained that his decision followed deep reflection after two years of dedicated efforts to strengthen the PDP as a cohesive and effective opposition platform.
Court Ruling Sparks Resignation
Doherty referenced a public letter he had previously written to the President of the Court of Appeal, urging a timely resolution of pending PDP litigations ahead of key electoral milestones. According to him, the court subsequently nullified the party's 2025 national convention and its outcomes, granting leadership primacy to a group that includes the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, whom he described as closely aligned with the APC.
"The events of recent weeks have proven decisive," Doherty stated, emphasizing that this development undermined his efforts to build a unified opposition. He expressed frustration that the ruling appeared to hand over party control to figures sympathetic to the ruling party, thereby compromising the PDP's ability to function as a genuine alternative.
Criticism of Federal Government
In his statement, Doherty also launched sharp criticism against the Federal Government, accusing it of exacerbating poverty, escalating insecurity, and increasing the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians. "I will not be a party to sustaining this tragic travesty," he added, highlighting his refusal to remain in a political environment he views as compromised and ineffective in addressing national challenges.
Doherty, a former governorship aspirant who joined the PDP in 2024 after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reiterated his long-standing commitment to opposition unity, particularly in Lagos State. He warned that Nigeria's democracy is fragile and under increasing threat, stressing that this is not the time for fracturing and division among opposition political forces.
Future Political Steps
Despite his resignation, Doherty pledged to continue working towards a united opposition front. He urged Lagos residents to "stay tuned" and promised to unveil his next political steps soon, indicating that he remains actively engaged in advocating for improved governance and better living standards. His statement was signed off from Lagos, where he has maintained a visible presence in political and social advocacy circles.
Broader Context of PDP Crisis
Doherty's resignation occurs amid ongoing internal crises within the PDP, which has struggled to mount a cohesive challenge to the APC since losing power at the national level in 2015. The party has faced numerous leadership disputes, legal battles, and defections, weakening its position as the main opposition. This latest departure underscores the deepening fractures within the PDP and raises questions about its future viability in Nigeria's political landscape.
Observers note that Doherty's move could signal a broader realignment in opposition politics, as disaffected members seek alternatives to both the PDP and APC. His emphasis on unity suggests potential efforts to form or join a new coalition aimed at presenting a stronger challenge to the ruling party in upcoming elections.
