The Lagos Independence Day demonstration, which took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Saturday, had a small turnout.
To the celebration location, the governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, joined other government officials and party leaders.
At the large stadium, many of the pavilions were empty. Several of the VIP pavilions were empty, despite a tiny portion of the stadium being filled with party fans.
Sanwo-Olu was present, along with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, his predecessor, Mr. Tunde Balogun, the former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, as well as representatives from the diplomatic corps.
However, the #ObiDatti rally attracted large crowds across the nation as many supporters of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, defied the early morning shower and security to hold the 4 million-man rally in Lagos, despite the fact that many Nigerians avoided the national event and a significant turning point in Nigeria’s journey.
The demonstration was simultaneously organised in Ikeja, FESTAC, Surulere, and the Lagos-Island-Lekki axis, and a significant number of youngsters turned out to voice their support for Obi’s candidacy, whom they described as the nation’s last best hope.
The Obi followers—known as Obi-dients—were reportedly forbidden by a Federal High Court in Lagos from congregating at the Lekki Tollgate for the protest earlier, but our correspondent saw the supporters pass through the tollgate and proceed directly to Lekki.
Along the constantly congested Lekki-Epe expressway, the development caused severe traffic.
Similar to how they did in Ikeja, the Obi-dients marched through Ikeja-Under-bridge/Computer Village and shut down the axis before gathering at the Arch. Vining Memorial Church grounds in Ikeja GRA.
