President Bola Tinubu has condemned violence at political events across the country, warning politicians and their supporters against acts of thuggery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President said political campaigns should focus on issues and ideas that promote public welfare and national development, rather than violence.
Tinubu stated this in a statement he personally signed on Friday, November 13, 2026, following reports of violence accompanying political activities in different parts of the country.
“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections,” he said.
The President said he was committed to ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election, urging political leaders and their supporters, regardless of party affiliation, to conduct themselves responsibly.
He reiterated that belonging to different political parties or pursuing different political ambitions should not make Nigerians enemies.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also renewed his directive to security agencies to take firm action against anyone seeking to undermine public order.
He said his administration was committed to an orderly and peaceful election, adding that political parties and candidates must be allowed to campaign anywhere in the country without intimidation or fear for their safety.
“We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters,” he warned.
Tinubu authorised security agencies to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force.
Recent attacks
The President’s warning comes amid a series of reported attacks on political candidates, their supporters and party gatherings in different parts of the country.
In Gombe State, the convoy of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, was attacked by suspected political thugs during a visit to the state.
In Sokoto State, African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Manir Dan’iya, accused security personnel of attacking his convoy near the Sokoto Airport, an allegation the state All Progressives Congress dismissed.
Similarly, the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was attacked in Calabar, Cross River State, on November 4, with the police arresting a suspect in connection with the incident.
On Thursday, November 12, suspected thugs invaded an NDC town hall meeting venue in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State, disrupting the gathering and attacking supporters.
Against this backdrop, Tinubu said political campaigns should focus on issues and ideas that promote public welfare and national development rather than violence.
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