In a significant political move, Funso Doherty, a former governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos, has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Doherty announced his decision on Monday, citing the need for a united front to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) that has ruled the state since 1999.
In a statement, Doherty expressed his desire to challenge the APC’s “exclusionary and extractive governance model” which he said has failed to provide basic services to Lagosians despite trillions of Naira spent. He highlighted the state’s lack of public water supply, reliable power, quality education, healthcare, mass housing, and public law and order.
Doherty believes that the PDP, with its national presence and institutional structure, offers the best platform to challenge the APC’s dominance. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including intra-party differences, but expressed commitment to working with others to bring solutions.
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“This phase of our journey stems from our belief that Lagos needs a strong, credible alternative to the exclusionary and extractive governance model that has dominated since 1999.
“Despite trillions of Naira spent over a generation, Lagos State still lacks fundamental services: public water supply, reliable and affordable power, quality public education and healthcare, mass housing, robust mass transit, and basic public law and order.
“The government’s actions also have alarming implications for climate risks like flooding. We believe it is time to present a united front against the current entitled, insensitive, and self-serving leadership that celebrates the unacceptable status quo.
“Our goal is to deliver effective, inclusive, and accountable governance for the people of Lagos,” the statement reads in part.
Doherty’s defection highlights the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where politicians often switch parties in pursuit of power or ideological alignment. His decision to join the PDP may be seen as a calculated move to tap into the party’s national structure and resources.
The PDP, which has struggled to gain traction in Lagos, may see Doherty’s defection as a boost to its chances of unseating the APC. However, the party must navigate internal differences and challenges to present a united front against the APC.
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