President Bola Tinubu has condemned the rising incidents of violence at political gatherings across Nigeria, directing security agencies to deal firmly with individuals involved in thuggery and other activities capable of disrupting public order ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu gave the directive on Friday, November 13, while reacting to reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country.
In a statement, the president called on politicians and their supporters to shun violence and ensure that political campaigns focus on issues that promote the welfare of Nigerians and the development of the country.
He said violence should have no place in the country’s political process, particularly as political parties and their candidates prepare for 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 an opportunity for candidates and political parties to present their ideas, policies and programmes to Nigerians rather than engage in activities that threaten lives and public safety.
He also called on political leaders across party lines to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, insisting that political differences should not turn 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.
Tinubu maintained that Nigerians belong to the same national community despite their political affiliations and ambitions.
“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies,” he said.
The president 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.”
He further 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.
The president assured political parties and candidates that his administration would ensure an environment where they could freely conduct their campaigns without intimidation, harassment or threats to their safety.
According to him, all political parties and candidates must be protected and allowed to campaign anywhere in the country without fear of molestation.
Tinubu 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.
The president’s statement comes amid growing concerns over reported attacks, disruptions and clashes at political gatherings in different parts of the country as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 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 of the attack indicated that the assailants were armed with axes, clubs and machetes and allegedly assaulted supporters and journalists, damaged property and disrupted the political gathering.