Funso Doherty Asserts Peter Obi’s Continued Political Viability in Lagos

Funso Doherty, the Lagos governorship candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has publicly stated that presidential candidate Peter Obi maintains a significant and resilient support base in Lagos State. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Doherty argued that Obi’s political appeal remains intact despite his recent transition from the Labour Party to the NDC.

Political Philosophy Over Party Platforms

Doherty dismissed concerns that switching political parties would diminish Obi’s electoral prospects. According to the NDC candidate, Obi’s popularity is rooted in his political philosophy and public perception rather than the specific party platform he occupies. “The idea of a new party is not something that we should hang our hat on anymore in our clime,” Doherty noted, emphasizing that voters are more focused on the individuals involved than the party labels.

Doherty warned political observers against underestimating Obi’s influence, suggesting that any attempt to downplay his significance would be a “grave mistake.” He asserted that the enthusiasm observed during the 2023 presidential campaign remains a potent force in the current political landscape.

Disruption at the Oregun Town Hall

The comments followed an incident at a town hall meeting held at the Classic Event Place in Oregun, Ikeja. According to reports, suspected political thugs armed with cutlasses, cudgels, and stones invaded the venue prior to the arrival of Obi and other party officials, including Victor Umeh and activist Aisha Yesufu. The attackers reportedly vandalized property and damaged several vehicles.

Doherty described the incident as an “unprovoked” and “unnecessary” attack. He praised the NDC supporters who resisted the intruders, noting that their refusal to flee served as evidence of the movement’s enduring spirit. Despite the disruption, the event proceeded as planned after security intervention.

Contextualizing the 2023 Lagos Outcome

Peter Obi’s political standing in Lagos is largely defined by his performance in the 2023 presidential election. Running on the Labour Party ticket, Obi secured 582,454 votes in Lagos, narrowly defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, who received 572,606 votes. This result was particularly notable given the APC’s 27-year dominance in the state and Tinubu’s historical influence as a former governor of Lagos.

As Obi prepares for the 2027 general election under the NDC banner, Doherty maintains that the ruling party’s hold on the state is not insurmountable. He characterized the resistance shown by supporters at the recent town hall as a signal that the political energy seen in 2023 is “game on” for the upcoming cycle.

Conclusion

While the political landscape in Nigeria continues to shift with party realignments, the discourse surrounding Peter Obi’s influence in Lagos remains a focal point for opposition strategies. Funso Doherty’s recent statements highlight a belief that the core support for Obi’s political brand remains strong enough to challenge established power structures in the next general election.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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