Former Lagos PDP guber candidate, Jimi Doherty resigns from party

Funso Doherty, a former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, citing the party’s ongoing internal problems.

Doherty, who joined the PDP in 2024, announced his resignation in a letter posted on his X account on Saturday.

Explaining his decision, he cited recent developments inside the party, including a court order that annulled the party’s 2025 convention, which exacerbated divides among party stakeholders.

He revealed that prior to the judgment, he had written to the President of the Court of Appeal, urging a prompt resolution of multiple legal disputes involving the party, citing their potential impact on Nigeria’s electoral process.

According to him, the eventual ruling, which invalidated the convention and effectively shifted control of the party’s leadership to a faction, marked a decisive moment.

Doherty criticised the outcome, arguing that it indirectly favoured interests aligned with the re-election of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which he accused of presiding over worsening poverty, insecurity, and rising living costs.

“I will not be a party to sustaining this tragic travesty. The people of Lagos State, many of whom have waited far too long for meaningful improvement in their day-to-day lives from the actions of their government, deserve much better than that,” he stated.

He also reiterated his long-standing position on the need for a cohesive opposition, warning that Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile and increasingly vulnerable.

“For a long time, I have advocated the importance of a united opposition. Nigeria’s democracy is fragile and now under increasing threat, so this is not the time for fracturing and division of opposition political forces that believe in accountability, constitutional order, and the welfare of ordinary citizens.

“The need for opposition unity, especially in Lagos State, has never been more urgent than it is today, and I remain committed to working to make it happen. My departure from the PDP is therefore also partly driven by my belief in the pursuit of that united opposition,” he added.