Funso Doherty, a former governorship candidate in Lagos, has resigned his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement on Thursday, Doherty said he had hoped that the ADC would become a vehicle for opposition unity.
Doherty said he joined the NDC “after due consultation, careful deliberation and prayerful reflection”.
“We had hoped that ADC would be the vehicle that would unite the opposition,” the statement reads.
“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.
“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.”
On May 3, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano,on Sunday joined the NDC after their exit from the ADC.
Obi said he exited the ADC because of “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division”.
Doherty contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election on the platform of ADC.
In July 2024, he resigned from the ADC to join the Peoples Democratic party (PDP).
However, following the leadership crisis in the PDP, Doherty left the party for the ADC.
In April, he announced his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of ADC.
The ADC is currently embroiled in leadership disputes as two factions — David Mark and Nafiu Bala — are laying claim to the leadership of the party.
On April 30, the supreme court directed the Mark-led faction to return to the federal high court for the hearing and determination of issues arising from the leadership dispute within the party.
The apex court set aside the status quo order of the court of appeal, describing it as “unnecessary, unwarranted and improper