Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called on political parties and candidates in Lagos State to unite against election violence and voter intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that no eligible voter should be prevented from exercising their constitutional rights.
Falana also questioned the estimated ₦15 trillion cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, urging Nigerians to demand greater transparency from the Federal Government regarding the project’s funding, route and implementation.
The senior lawyer made the remarks at a public event, in a video shared by News Central TV on Monday, where he addressed concerns surrounding infrastructure spending and the protection of democratic rights.
Speaking on the coastal highway, Falana expressed concern over reports that the project’s route had shifted from its original coastal alignment to an inland route in some sections.
He questioned the rationale behind the reported change and demanded an explanation of how the funds earmarked for the project would be utilised.
“The road, coastal road has now become land road, I’m sure you are aware,” he said.
Falana further questioned the reported ₦15 trillion allocation, arguing that Nigerians must hold public officials accountable for decisions involving public funds.
He maintained that citizens have a responsibility to scrutinise government projects and demand explanations to ensure transparency in public spending.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a major infrastructure project under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, intended to connect Lagos with Calabar in Cross River State along Nigeria’s southern coastline. The project’s estimated cost, route and financing arrangements have generated public debate.
Turning to the 2027 elections, Falana warned that violence and political thuggery could prevent eligible voters from participating in the electoral process if adequate measures were not taken.
He urged political candidates across party lines to establish a united front to defend the votes of all eligible voters, irrespective of their political affiliations or ethnic backgrounds.
“Going by what happened during the last election, violence will be introduced. Many people will not be allowed to vote, unless you guys are ready to form, regardless of your political parties, to form a group that will defend the vote of everybody in Lagos,” he said.
Falana stressed that electoral participation must not be determined by ethnicity, appearance or perceived place of origin, warning against attempts to intimidate people regarded as non-indigenes in Lagos.
He insisted that every eligible Nigerian has the right to vote and should be protected from threats, intimidation and violence during elections.
The lawyer called on political stakeholders to prioritise democratic principles and work collectively to safeguard the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
