President Bola Tinubu has condemned the growing incidents of violence at political events across Nigeria, warning politicians and their supporters against turning campaigns for the 2027 general elections into platforms for intimidation and attacks.
Tinubu also directed security agencies to act firmly against political thuggery and other activities capable of threatening public order, authorising them to confront perpetrators with full force.
The President made the position known in a statement on Friday, November 13, following reports of violence accompanying political activities in different parts of the country.
He insisted that violence had no place in the political process, urging parties and their supporters to focus on issues and policies that would improve the welfare of Nigerians.
“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.
He maintained that political campaigns should provide opportunities for competing ideas and policy proposals rather than hostility among supporters of rival parties.
“Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country,” he stated.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, calling on political leaders across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly as preparations for the polls gather momentum.
He stressed that political differences and competing ambitions should not turn Nigerians against one another.
“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies,” the President said.
Using a family analogy to underscore the need for political tolerance, Tinubu described Nigerians as members of one household despite their differences.
“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 added.
The President also reiterated his directive to security agencies to maintain public order and respond firmly to anyone attempting to undermine peace during political 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,” he said.
He further assured political parties and candidates of protection, insisting that they must be allowed to campaign freely across the country without harassment or fear for their safety.
According to him, the administration would not tolerate irresponsible conduct by politicians or their supporters.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” Tinubu declared.
The President said his administration remained committed to an orderly and peaceful electoral process, urging political actors to prioritise national development over confrontation as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
