By Deborah Nnamdi
A police officer has drawn widespread criticism on social media following the emergence of a video showing him tying the shoelaces of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The footage, which went viral on Monday, captures Ganduje standing as the officer kneels to adjust his shoe—a scene that has sparked a wave of backlash online.
Many Nigerians expressed concern over a uniformed officer performing such a personal task, saying it compromises the dignity and professionalism expected of law enforcement.
While some speculated that Ganduje may hold personal significance in the officer’s life, others condemned the act as humiliating and inappropriate.
One user, @og_cemoni, wrote: “Can he do the same for an ordinary citizen? He should respect his uniform, not age. Why is a policeman doing what a personal aide should?”
Another user, @kelvin_kertz, commented: “In Nigeria, police officers serve the poor as law enforcers and the elite as errand boys. Looks like the Nigeria Police Force might soon add ‘nanny’ to its job description.”
Defending the act, @ayenielijahofficial suggested the officer may feel indebted to Ganduje: “You don’t know what Ganduje did for him. Some people will go to any length for those who uplifted them.”
But others, like @franknero400, saw it as a symptom of a larger issue: “This is how the APC government has reduced our security personnel to house boys. It’s shameful.”
The backlash comes weeks after another controversial video emerged showing Nigerian police officers accepting cash from a Chinese national. An incident that drew strong criticism and prompted the Force Headquarters to announce disciplinary measures against those involved.
