Prominent Lagos politician, Funso Doherty, has formally accepted the nomination of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as its candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
Doherty announced his acceptance in a letter shared on his official X account on Friday, expressing gratitude to the party and reaffirming his commitment to delivering inclusive leadership for Lagos residents.
Images attached to the post showed him holding an NDC 2026 governorship nomination form alongside a campaign poster identifying him as the party’s flag bearer. The poster carried the Yoruba slogan, “Ó TI YÁ,” meaning “It is time” or “It is time for change.”
“With profound humility, gratitude, and a clear sense of purpose, I accept our party’s nomination to serve as its candidate for Governor of Lagos State in 2027,” Doherty wrote.
“I am deeply grateful for the confidence our great party has placed in me and for our shared belief that Lagos deserves much better—inclusive leadership that works for everyone.
“The real work begins now. Together, we will build the Lagos that we know is possible. My friends, it’s time – O TI Ya!”
The development comes weeks after Doherty defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC. His move followed an earlier exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC.
Explaining his decision at the time, Doherty said the ADC was experiencing internal developments that had resulted in a split within the opposition coalition, with some leaders moving to the NDC while others remained in the ADC.
According to him, he had hoped the ADC would serve as a unifying platform for opposition parties ahead of future elections.
“Since that is no longer the case, we must each individually make a decision as to whether to remain with the ADC or move to the NDC,” he stated.
Announcing his membership of the NDC, Doherty said he joined the party after extensive consultations, careful deliberation and prayerful reflection.
He described the NDC as the platform capable of helping the opposition deliver good governance and ensure that all citizens benefit from democratic dividends.
“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,” Doherty said.
