The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi over his recent call for the Lagos government to “temper law with compassion” amid ongoing demolitions of illegal structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
In a press statement signed on Tuesday by Lagos APC Spokesman, Seye Oladejo, the party described Obi’s comments as “hypocritical” and accused him of selective morality. The statement highlighted that during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Obi had ordered the demolition of illegal structures, including markets, shops, and residential buildings, without offering similar calls for compassion.
The APC said Obi’s attempt to politicise Lagos’ urban planning enforcement was “shameful, deceitful, and unbecoming” of a former governor, stressing that the state under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had demonstrated due process by issuing multiple warnings and engaging stakeholders before enforcing the law.
“No responsible government can look away while illegal structures endanger lives, obstruct development, and compromise public safety,” the statement added, emphasising Lagos’ commitment to lawful governance, strategic urban renewal, and public safety.
The party further accused Obi of exploiting public sentiment for political gain, calling his statements “desperate and confusing” and warning that Lagos would not be lectured on governance by “political drifters who mistake noise for substance.”
The statement concluded that Lagos would continue to enforce its laws “without fear or favour,” while maintaining its ideals of order, safety, and progress, which the APC said had made the state a benchmark of good governance in Nigeria.
The APC also advised Obi to focus on restoring his political image and addressing disillusionment among his followers rather than commenting on Lagos’ enforcement activities.
Lagos State has consistently defended the demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex as necessary for urban renewal and compliance with city planning regulations, asserting that the exercise was conducted with fairness and consideration for affected stakeholders
