The Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned an alleged statement credited to the Senior Special Assistant on Transportation Logistics to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Hon. Hassan Adekoya, in which he reportedly declared that “extortion is here to stay” during an appearance on Arise Morning Show on June 3, 2026.
In a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, the PDP described the remark as a shocking admission that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in Lagos had effectively surrendered to corruption and institutionalised extortion within the Apapa port corridor.
The opposition party argued that rather than confronting criminal activities and illegal practices in the area, the government appeared to be normalising them.
According to the PDP, the alleged comment exposes what it described as the failure of the Sanwo-Olu administration and the APC to tackle the persistent problem of extortion, illegal checkpoints, and exploitation that have long affected businesses, transport operators, and commuters operating around the Apapa port corridor.
The party noted that the activities of extortionists have significantly increased the cost of doing business, contributed to rising prices of goods, and discouraged investment in one of the nation’s most important commercial hubs.
“The comment reinforces the growing public perception that the APC government is either unwilling or incapable of addressing corruption and economic sabotage. No responsible government should present extortion as a permanent feature of governance,” the statement said.
The Lagos PDP further called on anti-corruption agencies, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement authorities to intensify efforts to dismantle extortion networks operating within the port corridor and restore public confidence in governance.
The party also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue demanding accountability from public office holders.
It stressed that sustainable national development cannot be achieved where corruption and extortion are treated as inevitable realities.
“As always, we remain confident that truth, transparency, and justice will prevail, and that every act contrary to the public interest will ultimately be exposed,” the statement added.
The PDP maintained that Nigerians deserve leaders and governments committed to fighting corruption rather than appearing to justify or tolerate it.
