The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims by former member, Mr Deji Doherty, alleging unauthorised candidate selection within the party, describing his comments as misleading and baseless.

In a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, the PDP said Doherty was no longer a recognised member of the party and had no authority to speak on its internal affairs.

The party accused him of attempting to mislead Nigerians by portraying himself as a representative of the PDP, insisting that his remarks were aimed at regaining political relevance.

According to the statement, Doherty lacked the moral standing to criticise the party’s internal processes, citing what it described as his history of political opportunism and controversies.

The Lagos PDP further alleged that he had previously engaged in actions detrimental to the party’s interests during the 2023 general elections in Lagos State.

Reaffirming its leadership structure, the party said the Dr. Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee remains the recognised national leadership, while Barr. Dr. Amos Fawole continues to lead the party in Lagos State.

It added that the party’s grassroots support was recently demonstrated during an interactive session between the Lagos PDP leadership and governorship aspirant, Prince Adelaja Adeoye.

The PDP noted that leadership disputes within the party are currently before the Supreme Court and expressed confidence that due process would prevail.

It urged party members and the public to disregard Doherty’s statements, maintaining that he does not represent the PDP in any official capacity.

‘The narrative of “unauthorised candidate selection” he peddles must be understood within the broader context of his long-standing reputation for transactional politics. His well-documented fixation on pecuniary benefits has repeatedly placed him at the centre of credibility crises.

“Notably, his recent physical altercation with Ayodele Fayose over mobilisation funds linked to the controversial Nyesom Wike-aligned convention is emblematic of a pattern, one that raises serious questions about his moral authority to speak on party integrity.

‘This is not an isolated incident. There are credible concerns that Mr. Doherty has, in the past, engaged in actions detrimental to the PDP’s electoral fortunes. Such a track record renders his current posturing not only hypocritical but deeply cynical.

“On the question of party leadership, the PDP remains guided by legitimate institutional authority. Dr Tanimu Turaki led National Working Committee, which represents the only recognised national leadership structure, while in Lagos State, Barr. Dr Amos Fawole continues to provide credible and authentic leadership that resonates with grassroots party members.

“This legitimacy was recently reaffirmed during a widely attended interactive session between the Lagos State PDP leadership and a vibrant governorship aspirant, Prince Adelaja Adeoye, an event that clearly demonstrated where the true heartbeat of the party lies.

“As a party, we remain unwavering in our commitment to the rule of law. All matters concerning internal leadership disputes are currently before the Supreme Court, and we are confident that judicial clarity will ultimately reinforce the supremacy of due process. As the enduring democratic maxim holds, the voice of the people is the voice of God, and that voice will prevail.”