Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has come under criticism after the venue of an African Democratic Congress (ADC) meeting scheduled to hold in Alimosho was sealed off by state authorities despite the organisers obtaining approval.
Reacting to the development, former Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of abusing state institutions to suppress opposition voices in the state.
In a post on X on Friday, he wrote, “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 is 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. And it is our constitutional right to assemble lawfully.
“Let it be clear that 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 just a day after police in Kaduna sealed off 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 an attempt to intimidate its members.
Opposition parties have in recent months repeatedly accused APC governments of using security agencies to frustrate their activities, including sealing venues and warning hotels against hosting political gatherings without official clearance.
