President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to confront political thuggery, violence and other anti-democratic activities with full force, warning politicians and their supporters against actions capable of disrupting public order ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a written statement on Friday, titled “Let’s Shun Violence: Our Campaigns Must Be About Issues That Promote the Welfare of Our People,” President Tinubu condemned recent incidents of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country.
The President reiterated his directive to security agencies to remain firm against individuals or groups threatening peaceful political activities, insisting that all parties and candidates must be allowed to campaign freely across the country without intimidation or fear for their safety.
“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.
“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, urging political leaders and supporters across party lines to exercise restraint, uphold democratic values and conduct their campaigns responsibly.
President Tinubu maintained that political campaigns should focus on constructive debates, competing ideas and policies that advance citizens’ welfare and national development rather than hostility and confrontation.
“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.
The President further reminded political actors that differences in party affiliation or political ambition should not translate into hostility, stressing that Nigerians share a common national identity despite their political differences.
“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.
President Tinubu assured political parties and candidates of the government’s commitment to protecting their rights to campaign peacefully in every part of the country.
He warned that his administration would not tolerate irresponsible conduct capable of undermining public safety or the democratic process.
“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,” President Tinubu added
