The Lagos State Police Command has reportedly threatened to arrest prominent community leader and pro-democracy activist, Comrade Wale Balogun, over his open support for opposition parties in the upcoming Local Government elections.
Balogun, convener of Mekunnu Koya Movement, has been vocal in calling for a free and fair election and opposing violent practices associated with previous elections.
According to reports, the police threat is allegedly linked to Balogun’s criticism of the activities of a known political thug, Murtala Rahman, aka Muri Coordinator, who was accused of leading a ballot box-snatching gang during the 2023 general elections.
Balogun has also been urging a peaceful One Man, One Vote process in Yaba LCDA.
The move has sparked outrage among civil society actors and political watchers in the state, with many raising concerns over the clampdown on dissenting voices ahead of the council polls.
Political activist Daisi Ogunniyi has condemned the police threat, stating that it is a direct threat to democracy and that the state security apparatus is being used to intimidate and harass those advocating for peaceful civic engagement.
Balogun has remained defiant, vowing to continue pushing for a democratic and violence-free electoral process.
The incident has also highlighted concerns over the safety of opposition candidates, with Babatunde Dosunmu, the councillorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly under threat of physical attack or arrest.
