The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Funso Doherty, has cautioned politicians against underestimating Peter Obi’s political influence, insisting that the former Anambra State governor retains a strong support base despite leaving the Labour Party.
Doherty said the determination shown by NDC supporters in resisting an attack on the party’s town hall meeting in Lagos on Thursday demonstrated that the enthusiasm surrounding Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign remained intact.
He made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, following the disruption of the gathering at Classic Event Place, Oregun, Ikeja.
Rejecting suggestions that Obi’s defection to the NDC could diminish his political appeal, Doherty argued that his popularity was driven by his political philosophy rather than the party through which he seeks office.
“The reception of Peter Obi today, that is how it is everywhere he goes. This is a man who is loved by the people. They view him as a different kind of politician, for good reason, and those of us who align with that philosophy and thinking,” he said.
He warned those attempting to diminish Obi’s political relevance that doing so could prove costly, maintaining that the former governor still enjoys considerable grassroots support.
“Anybody who is making a contrary case, time will tell. But I would advise them that if they are saying that just to downplay his significance, I think it will be a grave mistake on their part because his support base is still strong. I have seen it, not just today, we have seen it multiple times,” he added.
Doherty said the supporters’ response to the attack showed that Obi’s political movement had retained the energy it displayed during the 2023 presidential election.
He suggested that the attackers might have expected those at the venue to flee in fear, but instead encountered supporters who were prepared to defend their rights.
“Those guys came in today probably thinking they would have an easy ride of it. They would come in and do what they might normally do, scatter things and people would run away. But people were not in that frame of mind,” he said.
Describing the incident as “unprovoked” and “unnecessary”, Doherty commended the supporters who confronted the assailants, referring to them as heroes.
Suspected political thugs reportedly stormed the venue before Obi’s arrival, allegedly carrying cutlasses, cudgels and stones. They reportedly vandalised property and damaged several vehicles parked within the premises.
The confrontation disrupted the meeting until security operatives intervened. The event later continued, with Obi, Senator Victor Umeh, activist Aisha Yesufu and other party leaders in attendance.