- After appearance at pro-Tinubu group event
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate suspension of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Tijani Fatai, following his appearance at an event organised by the City Boy Movement in Lagos.
The opposition party described the police commissioner’s presence at the gathering as inappropriate, arguing that it could raise concerns about the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy followed the inauguration of the Lagos chapter of the City Boy Movement held on Tuesday in Ikeja.
The group used the occasion to reaffirm its support for President Bola Tinubu and pledged to mobilise young Nigerians and grassroots supporters ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The event was attended by political figures, traditional rulers, youth groups, and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Videos shared on social media showed Commissioner Fatai arriving at the venue and exchanging greetings with members and leaders of the movement, prompting criticism from the NDC.
In a statement released on social media, the party condemned the police chief’s appearance at the event, describing it as conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the impartiality of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the appearance of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani, at a partisan event promoting a particular candidate in the upcoming general election,” the statement read.
The NDC argued that senior security officials must avoid situations that could create the impression of political bias.
“We understand that the rudderless APC-led administrations have no iota of respect for our institutions, but seeing a Commissioner of Police at a partisan event can only point to one thing: He will be biased in the discharge of his duties during the elections.”
The party called on the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to immediately suspend and sanction the commissioner.
“We therefore demand that the police authorities immediately suspend and sanction the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani. We further demand that the Police authorities make a firm commitment to playing a neutral role in the upcoming election.”
The NDC also urged the police to guarantee equal protection for all political parties and their supporters, irrespective of political affiliation.
“That the Police authorities protect voters and supporters of other candidates who are not members of the ruling party. That the Police ensure the safety of the lives and property of all voters, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or party affiliation.”
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Lagos State Police Command nor the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters had issued an official response to the allegations or the demand for the commissioner’s suspension.
The development comes amid renewed mobilisation efforts by the City Boy Movement in support of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.
During a recent national retreat in Abuja, the movement’s patron, Seyi Tinubu, described the organisation as a growing national platform committed to grassroots engagement and advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
He encouraged members to remain committed to expanding the movement’s reach across the country ahead of future political contests.
The City Boy Movement has consistently maintained that it is a grassroots-driven organisation and not a government-created political structure.