Afenifere Demands President Tinubu’s Impeachment, Gives Reasons

A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has called on the National Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against President Bola Tinubu, alleging a conflict of interest in the awarding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract. The call came after President Tinubu publicly referred to the contractor, Gilbert Chagoury of Hitech Construction, as his “partner” during the inauguration of the first 30-kilometre phase of the project last Saturday.

Tinubu praised Hitech Construction, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group also responsible for the Eko Atlantic City real estate development, describing the road as a “symbol of courage and commitment” and referring to the contractor as a “partner in daring.” Oba Oladipo Olaitan, leader of the Afenifere faction, condemned the president’s remarks, arguing they revealed a clear conflict of interest. He pointed out that the contract was awarded without competitive bidding and seemed designed to benefit the privately owned Eko Atlantic City project.

Olaitan said, “All President Tinubu is doing is building a road to his own Atlantic City. He openly said the contractor is his partner. That means he awarded a federal contract to himself.” He questioned why only a small section of the highway was commissioned, suggesting the government might abandon the rest after completing the part leading to the private development. Olaitan urged the National Assembly to act, stating, “If they are truly independent, they must act now. The president has admitted to a breach of public trust.”

In response, the Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress dismissed the impeachment call as baseless and exaggerated. Spokesperson Seye Oladejo described the president’s use of the word “partner” as figurative, not implying any business relationship or shared ownership. He insisted the contract followed due process and said any concerns should be addressed through proper channels rather than impeachment demands.