Former gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Funso Doherty, has formally declared his intention to contest in the 2027 election, expressing confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) can be defeated in the state. Doherty, who ran under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, made the announcement during an interview on Silverbird Television on Thursday. …
Ex-Lagos Governorship Candidate Funso Doherty Declares Intention to Run Again
Former gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Funso Doherty, has formally declared his intention to contest in the 2027 election, expressing confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) can be defeated in the state.
Doherty, who ran under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, made the announcement during an interview on Silverbird Television on Thursday.
He dismissed the long-held notion that Lagos is an impregnable APC stronghold, citing the outcome of the last presidential election as proof of a shifting political climate.
“In the last presidential election, who won Lagos? APC lost Lagos. That’s a fact,” Doherty said. “The notion that Lagos is permanently tied to APC and cannot be dislodged is fundamentally flawed.”
He confirmed that he would again seek the governorship seat under the PDP, stating, “I will be in the race in 2027, by the grace of God, and God giving us life and strength, absolutely with the PDP.”
Voters, Not Political Structures, Will Decide 2027 — Doherty
The PDP candidate stressed that the ultimate power to determine the election outcome lies with the electorate, not entrenched political systems.
“At the end of the day, in 2027, the decision people are going to make is whether they are faced with a strong candidate and what their options are,” he said. “The people are going to decide it in 2027.”
On the national stage, Doherty criticised the APC-led federal government for worsening economic hardship and deepening ethnic divisions across the country.
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“We are more divided today than we have ever been as a people,” he said. “Ethnic tensions are probably higher today than they were when this administration took over.”
He described Nigeria as “a country of the few and a country of the many,” lamenting that while the government celebrates foreign reserves and exchange rate stability, millions of citizens continue to suffer from poverty and a declining quality of life.
“When you talk about the quality of life of the people, education, health, income levels, poverty, you see that economically, we are in a very difficult place,” he added.
Calls for Stronger Electoral Reforms Before 2027
Doherty urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and credibility in the 2027 elections by strictly adhering to its rules.
“People are looking for an INEC that will follow its own rules,” he said. “Even if we don’t get an amendment of the Electoral Act, at least implement faithfully the act that we presently have.”
He maintained that credible elections are still achievable through overwhelming voter participation.
“If the people come out and 80 percent of them say this is the person I want, even today, that person will prevail,” he said. “We want to move away from a situation where people have to scream to make their votes count.”
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
