Rhodes-Vivour Faults Lagos Police Over Sealing of ADC Meeting Venue

The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State during the 2023 elections, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has faulted the Lagos State Police Command for sealing off the venue of a scheduled meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Alimosho Local Government Area.

In a video that surfaced on social media platform X on Friday, heavily armed policemen were seen stationed at Lion Field, Ipaja, barring entry into the venue where the political gathering was billed to take place. Rhodes-Vivour, who arrived at the location alongside his team, was also denied access.

Reacting to the development, Rhodes-Vivour, through his media aides, expressed strong dissatisfaction, describing the police action as a violation of constitutional rights to free association and political participation.

“We are not holding a political rally but a political meeting, which we have constitutional rights to do. However, we will meet with the Commissioner of Police to find out why his men were there and update the public on what we are told,” he said.

The incident has sparked concerns over what some observers describe as shrinking democratic space and rising police interference in lawful political activities. Political analysts argue that the action, if left unaddressed, could set a troubling precedent for opposition parties in Lagos ahead of future elections.

The Lagos State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement explaining the deployment of officers to the venue. Meanwhile, members of the ADC and sympathisers of Rhodes-Vivour have called for transparency and accountability, insisting that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Rhodes-Vivour, who contested against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the March 2023 governorship poll, has remained a vocal advocate for youth inclusion in politics and for protecting citizens’ democratic rights.