Funso Doherty, a former Lagos gubernatorial candidate, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing recent developments within the party and concerns over its direction.
In a statement dated March 28, 2026, Doherty said his decision followed weeks of unfolding events, particularly a Court of Appeal ruling affecting the party’s leadership structure.
“A few days ago, I resigned my membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),” he said, adding, “I did not come to this decision lightly.”
The opposition figure explained that he had spent the past two years working within the party to address internal challenges and strengthen it as a viable opposition platform. According to him, “a strong, united and established opposition platform is not a luxury in our democracy – it is a necessity.”
Doherty said recent developments, however, had made his position untenable. He referenced his earlier public letter to the President of the Court of Appeal, urging expedited rulings on cases involving the PDP ahead of key electoral milestones.
“The ruling of the Court of Appeal came within days of my letter. It nullified our 2025 convention and its outcomes and, in effect, conferred primacy in the party’s leadership to a group… that has publicly and unambiguously declared its support for the re-election of the current APC administration,” he said.
He argued that the implication of the ruling was a shift in the party’s stance, adding, “It means supporting an administration that is long on rhetoric, but that has presided over deepening poverty… insecurity has escalated sharply.”
Doherty also pointed to worsening economic conditions, noting that “the cost of living has become an unbearable burden for ordinary families… even as their standards of living drop precipitously.”
Declaring his exit, he said, “I will not be a party to sustaining this tragic travesty,” while stressing that Nigerians “deserve much better” from governance.
Despite leaving the PDP, Doherty reiterated his commitment to opposition politics and called for unity among like-minded political actors. “Nigeria’s democracy is fragile, and now under increasing threat, so this is not the time for fracturing and division of opposition political forces,” he said.
He added that “the need for opposition unity, especially in Lagos State, has never been more urgent,” noting that his resignation was partly driven by his belief in building a united opposition.
Doherty contested the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and secured the fourth position in the poll. He, however, dumped the ADC for the PDP in 2024.
The ADC, previously regarded as a mushroom party, has gained momentum after Doherty’s exit following its adoption by prominent figures as an opposition coalition for the 2027 general elections.
Doherty, who had earlier declared his 2027 guber ambition, is yet to disclose his next destination after PDP exit.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
