The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as a “courageous and compassionate decision” to grant a state pardon to the late nationalist Herbert Macaulay and 174 others.
President Tinubu had on Thursday approved a posthumous presidential pardon for Macaulay, along with clemency for the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Maj. Gen. Mamman Vatsa, who was convicted of treason, and former lawmaker Farouq Lawan.
The approvals were ratified by the National Council of State during its meeting at the State House, Abuja.
The President also granted clemency to 82 inmates, commuted seven death sentences to life imprisonment, and reduced the prison terms of 65 others, acting on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy chaired by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo said the gesture reflected “the President’s humanity, fairness, and statesmanship.”
According to Oladejo, the pardons represent more than symbolic acts, reaffirming Tinubu’s “belief in restorative justice, national healing, and the power of forgiveness to strengthen unity.”
“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,” Oladejo said.
“For the living beneficiaries, this act opens a new chapter of hope, redemption, and reintegration. It demonstrates that justice in a democracy must balance accountability with mercy.”
He added that the move underscores that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda extends beyond infrastructure and economic reform to building “a fair, humane, and inclusive 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,” Oladejo said.
He commended Tinubu for “leading with heart, courage, and vision,” describing the action as “true leadership – firm, fair, and forward-looking.”
