Letter to my friends

Dear Friend,

I hope this message meets you well.

After careful consideration, consultation and reflection, and ahead of any public announcement, I am sending this note to let you, my family, friends, close associates, colleagues, mentors and mentees, know of my decision to enter into partisan politics and to seek elective office.

It is very clear that Nigeria has great need for principled leaders who will approach public service with a firm commitment to faithfully discharge the sacred trust that public office represents.

Worthy leaders must demonstrate competence that delivers results. They must also model personal integrity, fairness, justice and compassion. Perhaps most importantly in Nigeria of today, they must be resolute and bring the courage, wisdom and tenacity that we know is needed to drive and institutionalize these values throughout government and the public service.

Many individuals who fit this mould have shied away from seeking elective office, viewing partisan politics as unfamiliar and perilous terrain. This, of course, is to the great joy and benefit of those seeking office for all the wrong reasons. It is also to the great detriment of the larger society.

In the coming weeks, I will be publicly announcing my intention to run for the office of Governor of Lagos State.

Given the politics of Lagos, some may consider this ambitious and unrealistic - some may even say, foolish.

I say, IMAGINE.

Imagine, for a moment, the possibilities.

A forward-facing Lagos, with its vast resources and potential, liberated from the grip of self-serving interests and governed effectively, in the interest and for the benefit of its people. Driven by a meritocratic, empowered and accountable public service, and a thriving private sector, Lagos rises to become a cornerstone and model for national transformation, delivering opportunity, quality of life and dignified livelihoods.

Yes, it IS possible.

Together, but only together, we can turn the possible into the probable and, if we are tenacious and keep the faith, the probable can become the accomplished. In the words of that incomparable icon of service to humanity, Nelson Mandela, “it always seems impossible until it’s done”.

Studies predict that Lagos is on track, albeit a long track, to become the World’s most populous city. At the same time, Lagosians are increasingly fed up, beaten down and grasping for hope and reasons to believe. Clearly the stakes have never been higher. I am also convinced that the timing has never been more opportune for the leadership transition that our beloved mega-city needs to rise to its potential and to enable millions of Lagosians to fulfill theirs.

So, how can you help?

1. Visit www.funsodoherty.org to learn more

2. Join hands with us as a volunteer

3. Contribute financially to support this effort - GT Bank Account #: 0670182197 Account Name: Olufunso Doherty. Donors will receive periodic updates. (Donations must not exceed N1 million per individual donor for now. This may change if the proposed amendments to the electoral act are passed).

4. Reach out directly to me with feedback, advice, suggestions or questions - I would love to hear from you.

We do not have the war chests frequently accumulated from questionable sources over the election cycle to prosecute electoral battles. What we do have is one another, and the power of numbers, when we unite behind a common purpose.

YOU can help make it happen.

Sincerely,

Funso Doherty

Email: fd@funsodoherty.org

#wecanbemore

18th February 2022