KEY POINTS
- Funso Doherty says Peter Obi retains a strong support base despite changing political parties.
- His comments followed an attack that disrupted an NDC town hall meeting in Lagos.
- Doherty believes Obi’s political appeal is tied to his philosophy rather than party affiliation.
The Lagos governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Funso Doherty, has warned political opponents against underestimating Peter Obi’s influence, saying the former Labour Party presidential candidate still commands significant support among Nigerians.
Doherty made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, following an attack that disrupted an NDC town hall meeting in Lagos.
He argued that Obi’s political appeal was not dependent solely on the party under which he contested elections. IInstead, he said the former Anambra State governor’s political philosophy and leadership approach attracted supporters during the 2023 presidential campaign, contributing to his popularity.
Obi contested the 2023 election under the Labour Party and finished third, behind Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
His subsequent move to the NDC has prompted debate about whether he can retain the support base that helped him secure millions of votes in the previous election. Doherty rejected suggestions that the change of party had weakened Obi’s political standing.
Doherty says Obi’s support base remains strong
The NDC governorship candidate said the popularity of political figures should not be assessed only by the platforms they represent. He argued that party structures could change, but the appeal of individual politicians and the ideas they represent could remain intact.
Doherty also pointed to the response of NDC supporters during the disrupted Lagos town hall meeting as evidence that enthusiasm around Obi had not disappeared. He warned that political actors who dismissed the former Labour Party candidate’s influence could make a serious strategic mistake.
The comments come as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Obi’s political future is expected to continue shaping discussions on opposition alliances and efforts to challenge the ruling party.
Attack raises concerns over political gatherings
The interview followed an attack on the NDC town hall meeting in Lagos, where supporters had gathered for a political engagement involving party figures. The disruption has raised concerns about the safety of political gatherings and the ability of parties to organise events without intimidation or interference. Doherty’s remarks also connect the incident to the wider political environment surrounding Obi’s move to the NDC.
However, the attack and the question of Obi’s electoral strength are separate issues. The incident requires appropriate investigation, while his ability to reproduce his 2023 performance will ultimately depend on voter support, party organisation and the wider political climate.
As the next election approaches, the strength of Obi’s support base will be tested through political mobilisation, alliances and the choices voters make at the polls. For now, Doherty maintains that changing political platforms has not erased the influence Obi built during the previous election cycle.
