Lagos Police Deny Partisan Politics Allegation Amid Rising Tensions
Trending: Security Forces Under Scrutiny in Nigeria
In a firm rebuttal to growing accusations of bias, the Lagos State Police Command has categorically denied allegations of partisan politics, emphasizing its commitment to neutrality and professionalism. The statement, issued on September 8, 2025, comes amid heightened political activities in Nigeria’s commercial hub, where claims of police favoritism toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have surfaced in recent protests and opposition rallies. As the nation gears up for local elections and by-elections, the denial underscores the delicate balance law enforcement must maintain in a polarized environment, sparking debates on police independence and public trust.
The Allegation and Police Response
The controversy erupted following a viral video from a September 5, 2025, rally in Ikeja, where opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) supporters accused Lagos police officers of selectively dispersing their gathering while allowing an APC event nearby to proceed unhindered. Eyewitnesses claimed officers used tear gas on PDP protesters but provided security for APC leaders, prompting PDP chieftain Tunji Shelle to label the force as “APC’s private army” in a statement to Channels TV. Social media amplified the claims, with #LagosPoliceBias trending on X, amassing over 50,000 posts in 48 hours.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, addressed the issue in a press briefing at the command headquarters in Oduduwa, Ikeja. “The Lagos Police Command vehemently denies any involvement in partisan politics,” Hundeyin stated. “Our actions are guided solely by the rule of law, public safety, and constitutional mandates. Allegations of bias are baseless and intended to undermine our efforts to maintain peace.” He clarified that the rally dispersal was due to non-compliance with permit requirements under the Public Order Act, not political affiliation. “Both events were monitored; the APC gathering had prior approval, while the PDP one did not. We treat all parties equally,” he added.
Hundeyin released bodycam footage from the incident, showing officers issuing warnings to PDP organizers before any intervention, and announced an internal investigation to ensure transparency. The command also warned against inflammatory rhetoric, urging politicians to adhere to electoral guidelines ahead of the October 2025 local polls.
Background: A History of Police-Politics Entanglements
Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous state with over 20 million residents, has long been a hotspot for political fervor, serving as a stronghold for the APC under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The police, as the primary security agency, often finds itself at the center of controversies during election cycles. A 2024 Human Rights Watch report documented over 200 instances of alleged police bias in favor of ruling parties across Nigeria, including harassment of opposition figures and uneven application of crowd control measures.
This incident echoes past scandals, such as the 2023 EndSARS protests where Lagos police were accused of excessive force against demonstrators, leading to international condemnation. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reinforced the command’s stance in a national broadcast, stating, “The Nigeria Police Force remains apolitical and will not be dragged into partisan squabbles.” Despite reforms post-EndSARS, including community policing initiatives, public skepticism persists, with a 2025 Afrobarometer survey showing only 35% of Lagos residents trusting the police to act impartially.
The PDP has demanded an independent probe by the National Human Rights Commission, while APC spokespersons dismissed the allegations as “sour grapes” from electoral losers.
Expert and Stakeholder Reactions
Security analyst Dr. Femi Adeyemi, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, commented on the development in an interview with Vanguard News: “These denials are standard, but actions speak louder. The police must demonstrate neutrality through consistent enforcement to rebuild trust.” Civil society groups like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) echoed this, calling for bodycams on all officers and third-party oversight during political events.
On the positive side, Hundeyin highlighted recent successes, including the arrest of 15 suspects in a September 7 kidnapping ring, as evidence of the command’s focus on crime-fighting over politics. Opposition leaders, however, remain unconvinced; PDP gubernatorial aspirant Jimi Agbaje tweeted, “Denials without accountability are empty words. Lagos deserves an impartial police force.”
Impact and Next Steps
The allegation and denial have heightened tensions ahead of upcoming elections, potentially eroding public confidence in security arrangements and fueling more protests. If unaddressed, it could lead to legal challenges or federal intervention, as seen in similar cases in Rivers and Kano states.
The Lagos Command plans to engage community leaders in dialogue forums starting September 10, 2025, to foster better relations. Politicians are reminded to secure permits for gatherings via the state’s Ministry of Home Affairs. Citizens can report suspected bias anonymously through the police hotline (08000052560) or the NHRC portal.
In a broader push for reform, the federal government announced on September 8 a N10 billion allocation for police training on electoral neutrality, signaling a commitment to professionalization.
Conclusion: Upholding Neutrality in a Charged Atmosphere
The Lagos Police Command’s denial of partisan politics allegations reaffirms its pledge to impartiality, but in a politically charged Lagos, words must match deeds to restore faith. As Nigeria navigates its democratic journey, this episode serves as a reminder of the police’s pivotal role in safeguarding fair play. The takeaway for residents and leaders: transparency and accountability are key to preventing bias from undermining democracy—engage constructively, report concerns, and support reforms for a secure future.