LAGOS: The appearance of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at the inauguration of the Lagos State Executive Committee of the City Boy Movement has sparked widespread criticism, with opposition figures and many Nigerians questioning the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A video circulating on social media on Tuesday captured the police commissioner arriving at the event venue in Ikeja, greeting dignitaries and moving through the gathering alongside security personnel. In another clip, CP Tijani was seen in full police uniform interacting with participants wearing caps bearing President Bola Tinubu’s campaign insignia and the initials “ST,” commonly associated with Seyi Tinubu.
The event’s master of ceremonies publicly acknowledged the police chief’s presence, welcoming him and his entourage before the audience.
The City Boy Movement is a youth-driven sociopolitical organization that supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The group is actively mobilizing young people and grassroots supporters for the All-Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections. During the inauguration, members reportedly pledged to deliver millions of votes across the South-West.
The police commissioner’s attendance has, however, ignited a political storm.
Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) condemned the commissioner’s participation, describing it as inappropriate for a serving police officer expected to remain impartial in political matters.
In a statement, the opposition party argued that the presence of the state’s top police officer at an event organised by a group openly aligned with the ruling party raises serious concerns about the neutrality of law enforcement during future elections.
The party called on the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to immediately investigate the incident, sanction the commissioner, if necessary, reaffirm the force’s commitment to political neutrality, and guarantee equal protection for supporters of all political parties during the 2027 electoral process.
The incident also triggered intense debate across social media platforms.
Several users questioned whether the presence of a serving Commissioner of Police at a politically affiliated gathering was consistent with the professional standards expected of the office.
Some commentators argued that the development could erode public confidence in the impartiality of the police, especially as political activities gather momentum ahead of the next general election.
Others, however, defended the commissioner’s attendance, insisting that senior police officers often attend public gatherings to supervise security arrangements rather than participate in political activities.
APC chieftain Bashir Ahmad dismissed suggestions that the police commissioner attended the programme in a partisan capacity. According to him, the commissioner was present solely to ensure adequate security and maintain public order during the event, stressing that his appearance should not be interpreted as political endorsement.
As of Wednesday morning, neither the Lagos State Police Command nor the Force Headquarters had issued an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the commissioner’s attendance or responding to the opposition’s demands.
The controversy comes at a time when political parties, support groups and interest organizations are intensifying mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, with increasing calls from civil society organizations for security agencies to maintain professionalism, neutrality and public confidence throughout the electoral process.
