Political Intimidation in Lagos? APC State Government Closes ADC Meeting Premises

Political Intimidation in Lagos? APC Closes ADC Meeting Premises

 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has come under sharp criticism after state authorities sealed the venue of an African Democratic Congress (ADC) meeting in Alimosho, despite the organisers having obtained official approval.

 

Former Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of abusing state institutions to suppress opposition voices.

 

In a statement on X on Friday, Rhodes-Vivour said:

“This is not only an abuse of power, but a clear attempt to stifle opposition voices in Lagos. We understand that the APC is jittery about the momentum the ADC and Obidients are building across the state, but deploying state security agencies to frustrate lawful political activities is unacceptable and undemocratic. Lagos belongs to all of us, not a select few. It is our constitutional right to assemble lawfully. No amount of intimidation or harassment will stop us from engaging with the people of Lagos. Our movement is powered by the people, and no barricade or show of force can weaken their resolve for a better Lagos.”

 

The development comes a day after police in Kaduna sealed the ADC office on Ali Akilu Road ahead of a scheduled visit by the party’s North-West leadership a move the opposition described as unconstitutional and intimidating.

 

Opposition parties have repeatedly accused APC-led governments of using security agencies to frustrate their activities, including sealing venues and warning hotels against hosting political gatherings without official clearance.

 

The ADC has vowed to challenge the closure legally and continue its engagements with Lagos residents despite what it calls “state-sponsored intimidation.”