President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to deal decisively with political thugs and individuals threatening public peace as political parties intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President warned that his administration would not tolerate violence, intimidation or any attempt to disrupt political activities across the country.
Tinubu gave the directive in a personally signed statement on Friday, condemning recent incidents of violence at political gatherings and authorising security agencies to confront thuggery and other anti-democratic activities, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to conducting peaceful, free and fair elections, insisting that all political parties and candidates must be allowed to campaign freely across the country without harassment or threats to their safety.
The President said he had been monitoring reports of violent incidents at political events in different parts of the country, describing the developments as unacceptable in a democratic society.
“I have followed recent reports of violence accompanying political events 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 towards the 2027 general elections,” he stated.
Tinubu maintained that political campaigns should focus on competing ideas, policies and programmes capable of improving the welfare of Nigerians rather than intimidation and physical confrontations 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.
“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 said.
Reiterating his earlier directive to security agencies, the President urged them to remain firm against individuals seeking to undermine public order under the guise of political activities.
“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.
“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 warned.
He also appealed to political leaders and their supporters to avoid allowing differences in party affiliation, political ambition and ideology to degenerate into personal hostility.
According to him, Nigerians belong to one national community, and their shared aspirations for peace, development and prosperity should take precedence over partisan interests.
The President stressed that democracy could only thrive when political opponents respected one another’s rights and citizens were allowed to make electoral choices without intimidation.
He said political differences should not make Nigerians enemies, adding that politics must focus on improving human conditions and advancing national development.
Tinubu’s warning comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and follows a series of reported attacks and disruptions at political gatherings across the country.
Among the incidents was an attack on the Oregun, Ikeja venue of a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where suspected hoodlums allegedly invaded the venue ahead of the arrival of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The attackers were reportedly armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones, leaving some party supporters injured and several vehicles vandalised.
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC PCC), the NDC and the House of Representatives condemned the incident.
The APC denied involvement in the attack and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The party’s campaign council spokesman, Dele Alake, expressed concern that the increasing attacks could trigger unnecessary crises and public disorder.
He referenced reported incidents in Edo, Cross River and Gombe states, as well as the Oregun attack, urging political candidates and party leaders to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than confrontation.
Alake also called on security agencies to strengthen their response and remain vigilant in preventing political violence.
Similarly, the NDC National Campaign Council spokesperson, Chiogo Ikokwu, sympathised with those injured during the attack and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The party maintained that political participation was a constitutional right and should not be treated as a crime, urging political actors and their supporters to reject violence and allow citizens to participate freely in democratic activities.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the increasing cases of attacks and disruptions at political events across the country.
The committee, chaired by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, has been mandated to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the incidents and submit its report within three weeks.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by 17 lawmakers, including Minority Leader Fred Agbedi, who warned that unchecked political violence could discourage citizens from participating in lawful political activities and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, Tinubu urged all political stakeholders to demonstrate restraint, maturity and respect for democratic principles, insisting that the government would take necessary measures to maintain public order and protect citizens’ democratic rights.
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