Tension is mounting in Lagos State politics following the sealing of a political meeting venue of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by police operatives on Friday, September 6, 2025.
The venue, Lion Field in Alimosho Local Government Area, had earlier been approved for the ADC to host a grassroots political gathering. However, hours before the scheduled event, armed officers reportedly moved in to barricade the premises, preventing party members and supporters from accessing the grounds.
A chieftain of the ADC in Lagos, who spoke with journalists under anonymity for fear of reprisals, condemned the action as “a dangerous assault on democracy” and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of weaponizing state institutions against opposition parties.“
It is truly disappointing that the Lagos APC is abusing state institutions by sealing off the venue where the ADC was scheduled to hold a meeting after obtaining the necessary approvals.
This is not only an abuse of power, it is a clear attempt to stifle opposition voices in Lagos,” he said.
The party source added that the APC appeared “jittery” over the rising influence of the ADC across the state, particularly in Alimosho, a strategic voting bloc in Lagos politics. He further warned that silencing dissent through intimidation could undermine the credibility of the democratic process as the state moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
“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,” he stressed.
Widening Concerns Over Democratic Space
The development has fueled broader concerns over shrinking political space in Lagos, where opposition parties have long accused the APC of monopolizing political structures and leveraging state machinery to frustrate challengers.
Civil society groups have also voiced alarm, with some activists describing the closure as “a troubling signal” ahead of future elections.
“If opposition parties cannot freely meet and mobilize, then Lagos runs the risk of becoming a one-party state,” one rights campaigner told our correspondent.
Police Silent on Motive
As of press time, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official statement on why Lion Field was sealed. Calls and messages sent to the spokesperson of the command were not returned.
The ADC has vowed to pursue legal and political avenues to challenge the action, insisting that its right to peaceful assembly is constitutionally guaranteed.
With the incident now dominating political discourse, analysts say the unfolding drama may heighten tensions between the ruling party and opposition forces, with implications for the state’s political stability in the run-up to 2027.
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