Ex-Lagos Guber candidate Funso Doherty resigns from PDP amid deepening crisis

Funso Doherty resigns from PDP, citing internal crisis and court ruling that undermines the party’s credibility as an opposition force

Former Lagos State governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, on Saturday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing a deepening internal crisis and recent judicial developments that he said have undermined the party’s credibility.

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In a statement, Doherty 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.

Funso Doherty explained that he had remained within the PDP over the past two years, working with other stakeholders to resolve internal challenges, driven by his conviction that a strong opposition is essential for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

“I did not come to this decision lightly,” Funso Doherty said, describing his exit as the result of careful reflection.

He disclosed that he had previously written to the President of the Court of Appeal, urging expedited judgments on pending cases involving the party ahead of critical electoral timelines.

According to him, the appellate court’s ruling has effectively shifted control of the party’s leadership to a faction 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 administration.

Funso Doherty warned that the development raises serious concerns about the PDP’s capacity to function as a credible opposition platform.

He also delivered a pointed critique of the current administration, linking it to worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity and escalating cost of living across the country.

Millions of Nigerians, he said, have been pushed deeper into poverty, with declining living standards reflecting broader governance challenges.

“I will not be a party to sustaining this tragic travesty,” he added in a strongly worded remark.

Funso Doherty maintained that both Lagos residents and Nigerians at large deserve a more responsive and people-centred political alternative, stressing that prevailing conditions within the PDP make continued membership untenable.

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The resignation comes amid persistent internal disputes within the opposition party over leadership structure and political direction, further highlighting the fragile state of party cohesion ahead of future elections.

Quadri Olaitan