In the meantime, Seye Oladejo, the Publicity Secretary for the Lagos chapter of the APC, when reached for comment, cleared the ruling party of any involvement in the incident. Oladejo stated: “The opposition is certainly not contributing positively to the growth of our democracy by blaming the ruling party for their internal conflicts.
“It is a well-established fact that the opposition in this country is a fragmented entity. The APC, as the ruling party, holds the most significant stake in ensuring peace and stability within the state.
“The current opposition does not pose a threat to us, and we are indifferent to their failure to organize themselves effectively.
“They are already seeking justifications for their impending defeat in 2027.”
“We categorically deny any involvement in the failure of their rally and urge them to refrain from inciting chaos in the state.
A pro-democracy advocate, Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru, has sounded the alarm regarding what she termed “brutal acts of thuggery and kleptocracy” occurring in Lagos State. She also condemned the forced displacement of residents in Oworonshoki over the weekend and the disruption of opposition political activities.
Majekodunmi-Oniru, who accused entrenched political figures in Lagos of undermining democratic space through intimidation and violence, remarked: “These occurrences are indicative of a larger authoritarian trend that has plagued Lagos politics for decades. From the suppression of student movements in the 1980s to the more recent crackdown on the #EndSARS protests in 2020, the state has frequently faced criticism for using state-sponsored force to silence dissent and uphold a one-party dominance.
“Democracy cannot flourish where citizens are subjected to brutality, opposition voices are stifled, and human rights are disregarded. Nigerian citizens must rise against kleptocrats, thugs, and warmongers.
The ADC has expressed its condemnation of the attack on its members that took place at the rally venue on Saturday. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdhllahi, the party remarked: “The African Democratic Congress is appalled by the assault that transpired during an ADC gathering in Alimosho, where its leaders and members convened for a peaceful meeting.
“The ADC specifically denounces the incursion into the church premises where the meeting was intended to occur. This assault on the church premises represents a significant act of desecration by a nervous ruling party that will go to any lengths to suppress dissenting voices in the nation.”
Consequently, it urged the police to transcend partisan interests and prove that they are not compromised.
