President Bola Tinubu has warned politicians and their supporters against resorting to violence as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, directing security agencies to confront thuggery and other anti-democratic activities with full force.
The President, in a statement he personally signed and issued by the State House on Friday, November 13, condemned reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country, insisting that violence must have no place in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Tinubu said political campaigns should focus on issues, competing ideas and policies capable of improving the welfare of Nigerians and advancing national development rather than hostility, intimidation and physical attacks.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, urging political leaders and their supporters across party lines to demonstrate responsibility and restraint in their political engagements.
According to the President, political differences and competing ambitions should not turn Nigerians into enemies, stressing that members of different political parties remain part of one national community.
“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies,” he said.
Tinubu added that Nigerians were members of the same household, although they occupied different rooms, arguing that political activities must ultimately promote better living conditions and national progress.
The President also reiterated his earlier directive to security agencies to remain firm against individuals seeking to undermine public order.
He specifically authorised security operatives to confront political thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force, warning that his administration would not tolerate irresponsible conduct by politicians or their supporters.
Tinubu further insisted that all political parties and candidates must enjoy the freedom to campaign anywhere in the country without harassment, intimidation or fear for their safety.
“Our administration is committed to an orderly and peaceful election, and all political parties and candidates should be protected and free to campaign anywhere in the country without molestation or fear for their safety,” he stated.
The President’s warning comes amid growing political activities and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns over violence at political gatherings raising fresh questions about the safety of political actors and supporters.
He maintained that the country’s democratic process must be driven by constructive engagement and healthy competition rather than violence and intimidation.