The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned what it described as the orchestrated and politically motivated street protests currently taking place in parts of the country, particularly in the South East, under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC said while the right to free expression and peaceful assembly remains a vital element of democracy, the current protests are “far from legitimate calls for justice” and represent “a dangerous manifestation of reckless politics.”
“This so-called protest is not about justice; it is about political frustration,” Oladejo declared. “It represents the height of bitter, destructive politics — an attempt by those rejected at the polls to exploit national issues in search of cheap relevance.”
According to the statement, certain opposition figures have “shamelessly endorsed and sponsored” the agitation, hiding under the guise of activism to stoke public unrest.
“What we are witnessing is a classic case of the Biblical hand of Jacob, but the voice of Esau — deceitful manipulation disguised as popular struggle,” Oladejo said. “They will not recover in the streets what they have disgracefully lost at the polls.”
The Lagos APC described the ongoing demonstrations as “insensitive and provocative,” especially given the lingering insecurity, bloodshed, and economic disruption suffered by residents of the South East in recent years due to violent agitations and enforced sit-at-home orders.
“These individuals mock the memories of the victims, ignore the tears of widows, and disregard the pain of orphans,” the statement continued. “Their actions are a betrayal of the sacrifices of the innocent and a slap on the face of peace-loving citizens.”
The party stressed that the case of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu remains a judicial matter before a competent court of law, insisting that no amount of mob pressure or street intimidation can substitute for due process.
Oladejo reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on rebuilding the economy, strengthening national unity, and promoting inclusivity, noting that the South East is already benefitting from key infrastructural projects and significant appointments in the current administration.
“True progress will not come from chaos but from cooperation and peace,” the statement added.
The Lagos APC urged security agencies to remain alert and proactive, while calling on patriotic Nigerians, particularly leaders of thought in the South East, to “rise above bitterness and reject the antics of those who profit from instability.”
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and there must be a limit to bitter politics,” Oladejo concluded.
— Lagos Panorama
20th October, 2025
