Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on Nigerians to demand greater accountability from the Federal Government over the estimated ₦15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, while warning political parties against violence and voter suppression ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Falana raised concerns about the project’s reported route changes and funding, arguing that citizens must question how public money allocated to major infrastructure projects will be spent.
He also urged political candidates across party lines in Lagos State to work together to protect voters from intimidation, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds or political affiliations.
He made the remarks at a public event in a video shared by News Central TV on Monday.
Falana demands answers over highway funding
Falana questioned reports that the planned coastal route had been altered in some sections, with parts of the highway allegedly being redirected inland.
He challenged the government to explain the implications of the reported changes and how the funds earmarked for the project would be used.
“The road, coastal road has now become land road, I’m sure you are aware,” Falana said.
He also questioned the reported movement of the route inland and whether funding constraints had influenced the decision.
“What are the 15 trillion naira earmarked for that road?” he asked.
Falana maintained that Nigerians have a responsibility to scrutinise government spending and demand explanations from public officials.
He argued that public oversight is essential to ensuring accountability and preventing the misuse of public resources.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway faces public scrutiny
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a major infrastructure project under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It is designed to connect Lagos with Calabar in Cross River State along Nigeria’s southern coastline.
The project has attracted public debate over its estimated cost, route, funding arrangements and implementation.
Falana’s comments add to calls for greater transparency surrounding the project. However, his remarks represent his concerns about the reported route changes and funding; the government’s explanation would be needed to establish the reasons for any changes and their financial implications.
Falana warns of voter intimidation in Lagos
Beyond the highway controversy, Falana warned that violence and intimidation could prevent eligible voters from participating freely in the 2027 elections.
He urged political candidates to learn from previous electoral experiences and establish a united effort to protect the votes of all eligible citizens.
“Going by what happened during the last election, violence will be introduced,” he said, warning that some people could be prevented from voting unless political actors worked together to defend their rights.
Falana argued that safeguarding elections should be a shared responsibility rather than an effort restricted to individual political parties.
He said democratic participation should not depend on a person’s political affiliation, ethnicity or appearance.
Lawyer cautions against ethnic discrimination
Falana also condemned the use of ethnic identity to question whether people should be allowed to vote in Lagos.
He expressed concern that individuals perceived as not belonging to the Yoruba ethnic group could face intimidation or attempts to prevent them from exercising their voting rights.
He urged political leaders to reject such practices and ensure that every eligible voter can participate without fear.
Falana said Nigeria’s democratic system should not permit people to be excluded from elections because of their appearance or perceived place of origin.
His remarks place accountability over public spending and the protection of electoral rights at the centre of his concerns, as preparations and political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections continue.