President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to deal firmly with individuals involved in political thuggery and other activities capable of disrupting public order, warning politicians and their supporters against violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu issued the directive on Friday, November 13, while condemning reports of violence at political gatherings across different parts of Nigeria.
In a statement, the president urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid violence and ensure that political campaigns focus on issues that promote the welfare of Nigerians and national development.
He maintained that violence has no place in Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections,” Tinubu said.
The president stressed that political campaigns should provide opportunities for candidates and political parties to present their policies, ideas and programmes to Nigerians rather than engage in activities that threaten lives and public safety.
Tinubu Urges Political Leaders to Control Supporters
Tinubu called on political leaders across party lines to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, stressing that political differences should not turn political opponents into enemies.
“As the leader of this country, I commit myself to a peaceful, free, and fair election, and I urge political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly,” he stated.
The president noted that Nigerians remain members of the same national community regardless of their political affiliations, ambitions or party differences.
“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies,” he said.
He added, “As Nigerians, we are members of the same household living in different rooms. Therefore, our politics must elevate human conditions and focus on national progress and development.”
Security Agencies Directed to Confront Political Thuggery
The president also reiterated his directive to security agencies to remain firm against individuals and groups seeking to undermine public order through violence and other unlawful activities.
“I want to reiterate my previous directive to the security agencies: be strict and firm against anyone who seeks to test our resolve and will to preserve public order,” Tinubu said.
He assured political parties and candidates that his administration would provide an environment where they could freely conduct their campaigns without intimidation, harassment or threats to their safety.
According to Tinubu, all political parties and candidates must be protected and allowed to campaign anywhere in Nigeria without fear of molestation.
He warned that his administration would not tolerate irresponsible conduct by politicians or their supporters, authorising security agencies to confront individuals involved in political thuggery and other anti-democratic activities.
“We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters,” he declared.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” he added.
Lagos Political Gathering Attacked Amid Rising Tensions
Tinubu’s warning comes amid growing concerns over reported attacks, disruptions and clashes at political gatherings in different parts of Nigeria as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One of the recent incidents occurred in Lagos on Thursday, November 12, when suspected armed men reportedly attacked a town hall meeting organised by the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Reports indicated that the attackers were armed with axes, clubs and machetes and allegedly assaulted supporters and journalists, damaged property and disrupted the political gathering.
The incident has added to concerns about the safety of political gatherings and the need for security agencies to protect political participants as the country approaches another election cycle.
Tinubu’s latest directive reinforces his administration’s position that political campaigns must remain peaceful and that individuals who engage in thuggery, intimidation and other unlawful activities will face firm action from security agencies.