A former Lagos governorship contender, Funso Doherty, has officially declared his intention to run in the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Doherty made the announcement on Friday during a party gathering, stating his ambition to take over from the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
In a video circulated on 𝕏 by ADC Vanguard—the party’s mobilisation arm—he expressed confidence in his bid, saying he was stepping forward “with all humility” to seek the mandate of Lagosians.
ADC Vanguard also endorsed his candidacy, describing him as a formidable and marketable option for voters as the party positions itself as a credible opposition force in the state.
His declaration follows closely on the heels of his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he joined in 2024.
Doherty cited ongoing instability within the party as the main reason for his departure.
In a resignation letter shared publicly, he pointed to internal leadership disputes, worsened by a court judgment that nullified the PDP’s 2025 national convention.
According to him, the ruling deepened divisions and significantly reshaped the party’s power structure.
Doherty further disclosed that before the judgment, he had appealed to the Court of Appeal leadership to expedite decisions on several pending cases involving the party, noting their potential implications for Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
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He argued that the outcome of the court decision ultimately shifted control of the PDP toward a faction he believes is sympathetic to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), raising concerns about the party’s independence and effectiveness as an opposition platform.