APC: Tinubu’s pardon bold, compassionate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has hailed President Bola Tinubu for granting state pardons to late nationalist Herbert Macaulay and 174 others, describing the move as a mark of “statesmanship, courage, and compassion.”

The party, in a statement by its spokesman Seye Oladejo on Friday, said the President’s decision reflects his belief in restorative justice and national healing.

“This is yet another display of the President’s humanity, fairness, and statesmanship,” Oladejo said. “By honouring Herbert Macaulay – one of Nigeria’s founding nationalists, the President has corrected a historical injustice and reaffirmed the dignity of those who fought for our freedom.”

President Tinubu on Thursday approved posthumous pardons for Macaulay and the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa, as well as clemency for ex-lawmaker Farouk Lawan, among others.

The decision, endorsed by the National Council of State, also covered 82 inmates, with seven death sentences commuted to life imprisonment and 65 prison terms reduced.

Oladejo said the gesture reflects Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which goes beyond infrastructure to building a humane, inclusive, and reconciled nation.

“This pardon restores faith in our justice system, deepens reconciliation, and reminds us that a nation’s greatness lies not only in how it punishes but also in how it forgives,” he added.

The APC commended the President for what it described as “true leadership – firm, fair, and forward-looking.”