Ex-Lagos Guber candidate Funso Doherty dumps PDP

Former Lagos State governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, has resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing recent developments and deepening internal crisis within the opposition party.

Doherty, in a statement issued on Saturday, said his decision followed weeks of significant events, particularly the ruling of the Court of Appeal which nullified the party’s 2025 national convention and its outcomes.

He noted that he had remained in the PDP over the past two years, working with others to resolve internal and external challenges, driven by the belief that a strong and united opposition is critical to Nigeria’s democracy.

“I did not come to this decision lightly,” he said.

The former candidate revealed that he had earlier written to the President of the Court of Appeal, urging the court to deliver judgment on pending litigations involving the PDP ahead of key electoral timelines.

According to him, the eventual ruling effectively handed control of the party’s leadership to a group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of openly supporting the re-election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

Doherty said the development raises serious concerns about the PDP’s ability to function as a credible opposition party.

He also criticised the current administration, accusing it of presiding over worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity and a sharp increase in the cost of living across the country.

According to him, millions of Nigerians have been pushed deeper into poverty, while living standards continue to decline.

“I will not be a party to sustaining this tragic travesty,” he said.

Doherty added that the people of Lagos State and Nigerians in general deserve a more credible and people-oriented political alternative, stressing that the current situation within the PDP makes it impossible for him to remain in the party.

His resignation comes amid ongoing internal disputes within the PDP over leadership and direction.