Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded the immediate suspension and sanction of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, over his attendance at the inauguration of the Lagos chapter of the City Boy Movement, a youth group aligned with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and mobilising support for his re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections. The opposition party accused the police chief of compromising the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force by appearing at what it described as a partisan political event.
The controversy erupted after viral videos surfaced on social media showing CP Fatai arriving at the event venue at Marcellina's Place in Ikeja on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in his official convoy accompanied by an entourage. In the footage, the police commissioner, dressed in full uniform, was seen exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries, walking through the gathering alongside other attendees and security personnel, and interacting with participants wearing caps bearing President Tinubu's campaign logo and the initials "ST" — widely associated with Seyi Tinubu, the President's son. The master of ceremonies was heard introducing the police commissioner, saying, "The CP Tijani Fatai and his entourage. And please, we welcome them".
The City Boy Movement used the event to formally inaugurate its Lagos chapter executive committee and reaffirm its commitment to mobilising young Nigerians and grassroots supporters for President Tinubu's second-term bid. The gathering drew the attendance of political figures, traditional rulers, youth groups and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The group is a sociopolitical organisation focused on grassroots mobilisation, youth empowerment and support for APC-aligned candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting in a statement posted on its official X account, the NDC condemned the commissioner's appearance at the event in the strongest terms. "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 opposition party wrote. The party argued that the commissioner's attendance raised serious concerns about impartiality and signalled potential bias in the discharge of his duties during the elections. "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 NDC statement added.
The NDC made four specific demands. First, it called on the police authorities to immediately suspend and sanction CP Tijani. Second, it demanded that the Police authorities make a firm commitment to playing a neutral role in the upcoming election. Third, it urged the police to protect voters and supporters of other candidates who are not members of the ruling party and to ensure the safety of the lives and property of all voters, regardless of religion, ethnicity or party affiliation. Fourth, the NDC insisted that the Lagos police commissioner tender his resignation immediately for allegedly denigrating the institution of the Police.
The party further called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to intervene immediately. "IGP Tunji Disu, you must act on this immediately. Your men cannot continue to be partisan," the NDC said. "The Nigerian police must explain to Nigerians what the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani, was doing at a partisan event. Enough is enough".
The development has fuelled widespread debate on social media, with some users questioning the appropriateness of a serving police commissioner's presence at an event organised by a movement associated with the ruling party. One X user wrote: "Today, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police was in attendance at the Lagos State Chapter City Boy Movement EXCO inauguration. We're in for a long ride in this country, bro". Another user questioned: "What is the IG of Police doing at City Boy Movement inauguration?". However, others defended the commissioner's attendance, describing it as part of community engagement or security duties. An APC chieftain, Bashir Ahmad, wrote: "Write to him. If he is available at the time, it would be great for him to be present to help maintain security and order".
As of Wednesday, July 29, 2026, neither the Lagos State Police Command nor the Nigeria Police Force headquarters had issued an official response to the video or the NDC's demands. The incident has once again raised critical questions about the political neutrality expected of Nigeria's security institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections. With the electoral season fast approaching, the controversy surrounding CP Fatai's attendance at the City Boy Movement event serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance security officials must maintain between community engagement and partisan involvement. The outcome of the NDC's demand for disciplinary action will be closely watched as a test of the police leadership's commitment to institutional neutrality and public confidence in the electoral process.
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