By our correspondent
Governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Funso Doherty, has declared that despite internal wranglings in the people’s Democrstic Party, the party remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democratic system, staying that a strong opposition is essential to sustaining the nation’s democracy.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, Doherty dismissed claims that the PDP was collapsing, describing such narratives as “greatly exaggerated.”
“The rumours of the death of the PDP are greatly exaggerated,” he said. “Do we have internal issues? Yes. Are there crises? Yes. But the battle for the soul of the PDP goes beyond the party itself.”
According to him, the disagreements within the PDP mirror a broader fight for the preservation of Nigeria’s democratic values.
“It’s a battle for the soul of the party, but also a larger battle for democracy in Nigeria. Because if we don’t have an opposition, we don’t have a democracy,” he added.
Doherty maintained that despite internal divisions and defections, the PDP remains the country’s foremost opposition platform.
“If you look at the political landscape today, the PDP is still the main opposition to the APC. Despite the defections, the PDP still has the largest number of governors and lawmakers in the National Assembly among the opposition parties,” he said.
He alleged that some of the crises within the PDP were being influenced by external political interests.
“There are elements within the party that are loyal to interests outside the PDP. It’s well known, for instance, that the Minister of the FCT is serving in this present government. When you are in a position of conflicting interests, everything you say must be taken with a pinch of salt,” he said.
Reacting to reports of division within the Lagos PDP, Doherty dismissed the notion of “factionalisation,” insisting that the party only faces internal disagreements.
“I question the whole terminology of factions. Yes, there are disagreements, but I reject the idea that the party is factionalised,” he said.
On his relationship with party chieftain Chief Olabode George, Doherty described it as cordial and expressed confidence in his chances at the upcoming primaries.
“I’m interacting with many of our leaders, including Chief Olabode George, who is a father figure and one of our principal leaders. We have a great relationship, and I’m confident we will succeed in the primaries,” he stated.
Doherty’s remarks come amid renewed tension within the PDP following Monday’s dramatic takeover of the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, by loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The incident occurred in the absence of National Working Committee members loyal to the PDP governors’ forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and National Chairman Umar Damagum, who are reportedly losing grip of the party structure amid the ongoing power tussle.
