(DDM) – Political tension flared in Lagos on Friday as police operatives sealed off Lion Field in Alimosho, the scheduled venue for a meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The venue had earlier been approved for the gathering, but security officers were deployed hours before the event to restrict access.
Eyewitnesses reported that patrol vans and armed operatives surrounded the field, effectively preventing ADC members and supporters from entering.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the action immediately drew condemnation from Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
Rhodes-Vivour described the closure as a direct assault on democracy and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of abusing state institutions.
He argued that security agencies were being weaponized to frustrate opposition gatherings and suppress legitimate political activities.
In his statement, he stressed that Lagos belongs to all residents and cannot be monopolized by a select political class.
According to him, no level of intimidation or harassment will silence the movement for change in the state.
The development comes amid increasing reports of ADC members facing harassment and disruption of planned activities across different parts of Lagos.
Observers say the sealing of the venue highlights the growing unease between opposition parties and the state government ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts warn that clampdowns of this nature risk undermining democratic principles and inflaming political tensions.
They argue that silencing opposition voices through force sends the wrong message to citizens about the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
Civil society activists have also expressed concern, calling for an urgent review of the role of security agencies in political matters.
They maintain that the duty of the police is to maintain order and protect citizens, not to act as an arm of the ruling party.
Rhodes-Vivour urged Lagosians to resist intimidation peacefully and remain steadfast in the demand for good governance.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and human rights groups to take note of recurring incidents of suppression.
The ADC, which has been positioning itself as part of a wider opposition coalition, said it would not be deterred by the clampdown.
Party members described the police action as provocative and insisted that their struggle for political inclusion will continue.
The incident adds to a series of political controversies in Lagos, where opposition leaders have accused authorities of shrinking civic space.
With elections still two years away, analysts say the unfolding trend could set the tone for a turbulent political season.
The Lagos State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on why the ADC venue was sealed.
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