A Lagos State governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Funso Doherty, has reaffirmed that the party remains a vital part of Nigeria’s democratic structure, emphasizing that a strong opposition is essential for sustaining democracy.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, Doherty dismissed claims that the PDP is collapsing, describing such reports as exaggerated.
“The rumours of the death of PDP are greatly exaggerated,” he said. “Do we have internal issues? Yes. Are there internal crises? Yes. But the battle for the soul of the PDP goes beyond the party itself.”
He explained that the current disagreements within the PDP reflect a broader struggle to defend Nigeria’s democratic values. “It’s not just a battle for the PDP; it’s a battle for democracy in Nigeria. Because if there’s no opposition, there’s no democracy,” Doherty stated.
Despite internal divisions and defections, Doherty insisted that the PDP remains the country’s foremost opposition party. “If you look at the political landscape today, PDP remains the main opposition to the APC. Even with the defections, the PDP still has the largest group of governors and the biggest bloc in the National Assembly,” he noted.
Doherty also alleged that external influences are contributing to the crises within the party. “There are elements within the PDP loyal to interests outside the party. For example, the Minister of the FCT is serving in the current government. When someone holds conflicting interests, we must take what they say with caution,” he said.
Addressing the reported division within the Lagos PDP, Doherty rejected claims of factionalisation. “I question the use of the word ‘factions.’ There are internal disagreements, yes, but I do not accept that the party is factionalised,” he maintained.
On his relationship with PDP leader Chief Olabode George, Doherty described it as cordial and expressed optimism ahead of the party’s primaries. “I’m engaging with many leaders, including Chief Olabode George, who is a father figure and a principal leader. We have a great relationship, and I’m confident we’ll succeed in the primaries,” he said.
Doherty’s remarks come amid renewed crisis within the PDP, following Monday’s takeover of the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, by loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The development occurred in the absence of members of the National Working Committee (NWC) loyal to PDP governors led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who have reportedly lost control of the party structure amid the ongoing power struggle.
ADEOLA KUNLE
