Former Lagos governorship candidate Funso Doherty has announced his defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing deepening divisions within the opposition coalition.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 7, Doherty said the internal fractures within the ADC had made it impossible for the party to serve as a unifying platform for opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Most of us are aware of developments concerning the ADC that have collectively resulted in a division of the coalition with some leaders moving to the NDC and some remaining in the ADC.
“We had hoped that ADC would be the vehicle that would unite the opposition. That is now clearly no longer the case. In these circumstances therefore, we must each individually make a decision as to whether to remain with the ADC or move to the NDC,” Doherty explained.
He said his decision followed consultations and careful consideration of the political landscape.
“After due consultation, careful deliberation and prayerful reflection, I have joined the NDC. I am convinced that this is the path that will enable us to deliver the benefits of good governance to those to whom they are due – every citizen, without exception,” he stated.
Doherty, a former investment banker and public policy advocate, first rose to political prominence under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he contested the Lagos State governorship primaries before exiting the party over internal disagreements.
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He later joined the Action Democratic Congress, where he emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 elections, positioning himself as a reform-focused alternative with an emphasis on transparency and fiscal responsibility.
His subsequent alignment with the ADC formed part of broader efforts by opposition figures to build a coalition capable of challenging the ruling party. However, recent defections, including those of prominent figures to the NDC, have exposed internal divisions within that bloc.
Reflecting on the road ahead, Doherty acknowledged the challenges facing the opposition but urged supporters to remain committed.
“The battle ahead remains formidable, but I invite you to join us on this exciting, though sometimes turbulent, journey to a brighter future that has been long-promised and that has so far proven elusive, but that is, by the Grace of God, now imminent,” he added.
His defection adds to the growing list of political figures shifting allegiance as parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising fresh questions about the cohesion and strategy of Nigeria’s opposition landscape.