A Lagos-based businessman and member of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Akinbola Tunde, has raised alarm over what he describes as political persecution, intimidation, and a threat to his life. Tunde, who played a significant role in mobilizing support for the LP during the 2023 general elections, claims that since the election, he has been the target of continuous harassment, including physical assaults and a disturbing home invasion.
In a recent statement, Tunde revealed the traumatic experience he endured during a home invasion that occurred on March 4, 2023, while he was away attending a wedding in Ondo State. According to Tunde, he received a distressing call from his housemaid, Miss Adeoti Rachael, who informed him that armed political thugs had broken into his house, shouting his name as they searched for him. When they couldn’t find him, the assailants reportedly vandalised his property and physically attacked his housemaid, leaving her with serious injuries that required hospitalization.
Recalling the events of that fateful day, Tunde said: “I received a distressing call from my housemaid, Miss Adeoti Rachael, who told me that armed political thugs had broken into my home, shouting my name as they searched for me. When they couldn’t find me, they vandalised my property and brutally beat up my housemaid. She had to be hospitalised at Pillars Medical Centre.”
This violent attack on his property and staff was not an isolated incident. Tunde claimed that on December 12, 2022, while returning home from a Labour Party campaign event in Alimosho, Lagos State, he was ambushed by armed thugs. He alleged that these individuals physically assaulted him, leaving him with a serious knee injury that required six weeks to heal. Tunde described the incident as an attempt on his life, adding that he feared for his safety as the attacks continued.
Despite reporting these violent incidents to law enforcement agencies, Tunde has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in investigating the attacks. He claimed that no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators appear to be acting with complete impunity. Tunde voiced his concerns over the failure of the police to protect him and his family, stating: “The perpetrators continue to act with impunity. The police have done nothing, and my family and I live in constant fear for our lives.”
This lack of action from law enforcement, coupled with the rising threats against him, has led to Tunde’s deepening fears for his future as a political figure. As the 2025 local government elections approach, he is worried that the threats against him will escalate further, potentially hindering his ability to participate in politics.
Tunde has made a passionate plea to the Federal Government, security agencies, human rights organisations, and the international community to intervene and ensure his safety. He has called for immediate action to protect him and his family, as well as for the perpetrators of these violent acts to be brought to justice.
In his statement, Tunde declared: “I refuse to be silenced by intimidation. I only want to contribute to the progress of my country in an environment where democracy, justice, and freedom of speech prevail.”
He has urged security agencies to take swift action to ensure that those responsible for the attacks on him are held accountable. He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law in a democratic society, where citizens should be able to express themselves freely without fear of violence or retribution.
The use of political thugs to intimidate and silence opposition voices is a common problem in Nigerian politics. These thugs are often used to disrupt campaigns, threaten opponents, and create an atmosphere of fear that discourages political participation.
