Prominent Lagos Politician Funso Doherty Quits PDP Over Alleged APC Influence
In a significant political development, Funso Doherty, a prominent Lagos politician, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His decision, announced in a statement on Saturday, comes after a recent court ruling that he claims has effectively handed control of the party to individuals aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Deep Reflection and Decisive Events
Doherty explained that his resignation followed two years of dedicated efforts to strengthen the PDP as a cohesive opposition platform. However, he stated that the events of recent weeks proved decisive in his decision. He referenced a public letter he had written to the President of the Court of Appeal, urging for a timely resolution of pending PDP litigations ahead of key electoral milestones.
According to Doherty, the court subsequently nullified the party's 2025 national convention and its outcomes. This ruling granted leadership primacy to a group that includes the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, whom Doherty described as being aligned with the APC. He expressed concern that this move undermines the integrity of the opposition.
Criticism of Federal Government
In his statement, Doherty also launched a sharp critique of the Federal Government, accusing it of exacerbating poverty, escalating insecurity, and increasing the cost of living for Nigerians. He emphasized, "I will not be a party to sustaining this tragic travesty," highlighting his refusal to support what he perceives as detrimental governance.
Commitment to Opposition Unity
A former governorship aspirant who joined the PDP in 2024 after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Doherty reiterated his long-standing commitment to opposition unity, particularly in Lagos State. He warned, "Nigeria's democracy is fragile and now under increasing threat. This is not the time for fracturing and division among opposition political forces."
Doherty pledged to continue working towards a united opposition front and urged Lagos residents to "stay tuned," promising to unveil his next political steps soon. His resignation adds to the 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.
Active Advocacy in Lagos
Doherty signed off the statement from Lagos, where he has remained active in advocating for improved governance and better living standards. His departure from the PDP marks a notable shift in the political landscape, as he seeks to forge a new path in opposition politics.
