The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed sympathy with residents of Lagos State affected by the widespread flooding caused by days of heavy rainfall.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday, the former Vice President said he was saddened by the hardship the flooding had brought to thousands of residents, including families, motorists, commuters and business owners whose daily activities were disrupted.
Atiku said his thoughts were with everyone affected by the disaster and prayed for the safety of residents as authorities continue efforts to manage the situation.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the people of Lagos who have been affected by the ongoing flooding. My thoughts are with the families, motorists, commuters, business owners and everyone whose lives and livelihoods were disrupted by this unfortunate event,” he wrote.
The former vice president noted that natural disasters often remind Nigerians of the importance of standing together during difficult times.
According to him, compassion and unity are essential in helping affected communities recover from such challenges.
“At moments like this, we are reminded of the strength of our shared humanity and the importance of standing together in support of one another.
“I pray for the safety of all, for a swift return to normalcy,” Atiku added.
His message comes as several parts of Lagos remain affected by flash floods following torrential rainfall that began on Sunday and continued into the new week.
The flooding submerged major roads and streets in different parts of the state, forcing many residents to abandon their vehicles while others were stranded for hours in heavy traffic.
Among the worst-hit areas were Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende.
The heavy rainfall also affected major highways, including sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway, causing severe traffic congestion across the commercial city.
Many commuters reported spending several hours on roads that are usually completed within a much shorter time, while public transport operators struggled to navigate flooded routes.
Some residents also reported damage to homes, shops and personal property as floodwater entered buildings in low-lying communities.
Although there were no immediate official reports of widespread casualties, emergency agencies continued to monitor affected areas and advise residents to avoid flooded roads and drainage channels.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly warned residents against dumping refuse in drainage systems, saying blocked drains contribute significantly to flooding during the rainy season.
Authorities have also linked the latest flooding to intense seasonal rainfall that overwhelmed existing drainage infrastructure in several parts of the state.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, experiences flooding almost every rainy season due to a combination of heavy rainfall, inadequate drainage, rapid urban development and the city’s low-lying coastal geography.
Over the years, both the federal and Lagos State governments have invested in drainage expansion, flood control projects and public awareness campaigns. However, rapid population growth and increasing urbanisation continue to place pressure on existing infrastructure.
The latest flooding has once again renewed calls for stronger investments in urban planning, drainage maintenance and emergency response systems to reduce future losses.
Political leaders, civil society organisations and residents have continued to express concern over the impact of the flooding on businesses and livelihoods, particularly as many small business owners suffered losses after their shops and goods were affected by rising water levels.
Atiku’s message adds to the growing list of public figures who have expressed concern over the disaster and called for support for affected communities.
As emergency officials continue to assess the extent of the damage, residents have also been urged to cooperate with government agencies, obey safety advisories and avoid driving or walking through flooded areas where the strength or depth of the water cannot be determined.
With the rainy season expected to continue in the coming months, environmental experts are urging authorities at all levels to strengthen flood prevention measures while encouraging residents to keep drainage channels free of waste to reduce the risk of future flooding.