The Fayinka Beyond 2027 Campaign has condemned alleged attempts by political actors to shut down businesses and markets in Mushin over the ongoing primaries of the All Progressives Congress, describing the development as unacceptable and contrary to democratic values.
In a statement issued on Friday, the campaign alleged that shops and businesses within Ladipo Market and other markets across Mushin were instructed to close by certain political figures, including one Monday Lawrence and the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, because of the APC primaries.
The campaign stated that if the reports were true, such actions amounted to dragging non-party members into what should strictly remain an internal party affair.
According to the statement, the APC did not issue any directive mandating the closure of markets or businesses for the conduct of party primaries, stressing that the exercise was meant solely for accredited party members and delegates where applicable.
The group argued that traders, artisans, transporters, and business owners, many of whom are not members of the ruling party, should not be coerced, intimidated, or manipulated into participating in political activities they have no affiliation with.
It further warned against attempts to mobilise non-party members to political venues for the purpose of overwhelming or intimidating genuine party faithful, saying such actions could undermine the credibility and integrity of the democratic process.
The campaign maintained that politics should not be conducted through fear, pressure, or disruption of people’s livelihoods, adding that democracy must protect participation rather than manipulate it.
The statement called on stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold democratic principles, and allow genuine party members to freely exercise their rights without interference or tension.
“Politics should unite, not oppress,” the statement added.
