By Adesakin Adefemi
All Progressives Congress chieftain Joe Igbokwe has dismissed reports that he was physically assaulted at Ladipo Market in Lagos on Saturday, but alleged that the hostility he encountered was politically motivated. He said the incident stemmed from his affiliation with the APC and his outspoken views on national issues.
“There was no mob attack. Nobody touched my body,” Igbokwe stated. “It was just that they were making noise and people tried to caution them.” He insisted that while he faced verbal confrontation, there was no physical contact.
Igbokwe said the episode began when he visited the popular spare parts market to make a purchase. After identifying him, some traders and residents started pointing fingers and raising their voices. He ignored the attention and proceeded to buy the part he needed.
According to him, the situation escalated after he returned to his vehicle to fix the item. “Some people were pointing fingers at me. Some were saying something. I ignored them,” he recounted. “They started coming towards me, so I moved away and went to my friend’s shop.”
He said his friend alerted the market leadership, who intervened. After the situation calmed, Igbokwe drove away. He maintained that the gathering was more about noise and recognition than an attempt to harm him.
When asked if he believed politics was behind the hostility, Igbokwe answered yes. “Maybe because I am an APC man. Maybe because I don’t like the politics they play,” he said. “Make friends with major ethnic groups, and that is how you can rule Nigeria, but it is not forthcoming.”
The APC stalwart, a former publicity secretary of the party in Lagos, said his consistency in political positions has often drawn criticism. “There are things we saw during the first civil war. If you advise them, you will become an enemy. You become a saboteur,” he added.
Igbokwe argued that his comments and advice are sometimes misinterpreted as antagonistic, even when intended constructively. He said he remains committed to progressive politics and cannot change his stance.
The incident has sparked discussion about political tolerance in public spaces, with Igbokwe urging Nigerians to embrace dialogue across ethnic and party lines. He reiterated that he left the market unharmed and without further confrontation.
