President Bola Tinubu has warned politicians and their supporters against violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, vowing that his administration will deal firmly with political thuggery and other anti-democratic activities.
The President, in a statement personally signed on Friday, also directed security agencies to confront anyone seeking to disrupt public order, authorising them to use full force against perpetrators of violence.
The statement, titled “Let’s Shun Violence: Our Campaigns Must Be About Issues That Promote The Welfare Of Our People,” was shared on X by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu’s warning comes amid growing cases of political violence, particularly attacks on campaign rallies and meetings across the country.
On Thursday, suspected political thugs disrupted a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress in support of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Oregun, Lagos State.
The attackers reportedly assaulted participants and damaged vehicles.
Similarly, Obi’s convoy was reportedly attacked in Calabar, Cross River State, on November 4, while one person was reportedly killed and five others injured when suspected thugs attacked an Obidient/OK Movement rally in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7.
In Katsina State, suspected political thugs attacked a convoy of All Progressives Congress supporters travelling to Funtua for a campaign flag-off on October 28, leaving a female traveller injured and damaging several vehicles.
Four days later, an APC rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, was also reportedly disrupted, leaving several people injured.
Condemning the wave of political violence across the country, Tinubu warned that violence would not be tolerated during campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President maintained that political campaigns must focus on issues and ideas that promote the welfare of Nigerians and national development.
“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move towards the 2027 general elections.
“Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country,” Tinubu said.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, urging political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly.
He maintained that political differences and competing ambitions should not turn Nigerians into enemies, stressing the need for unity and national progress.
“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us 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,” he said.
The President reiterated his directive to security agencies to remain firm against individuals seeking to undermine public order.
He also assured political parties and candidates of protection, saying they should be allowed to campaign anywhere in the country without molestation or fear for their safety.
“We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” Tinubu added.
Source: