Tinubu Orders Security Crackdown on Political Thuggery Ahead of 2027 Polls

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent wave of violence at political gatherings across the country, ordering security agencies to confront thuggery and anti-democratic disruptions with full force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​In a statement he personally signed on Friday, November 13, 2026, President Tinubu warned politicians and their supporters against acts of intimidation, stressing that political campaigns must focus on ideas and policies that promote public welfare rather than violence.
​”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 stated.
​Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process, Tinubu urged political leaders across party lines to rein in their supporters and conduct their campaigns responsibly. He noted that differing political affiliations or ambitions should not turn citizens into adversaries.
​”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,” Tinubu said.
​The President further directed security forces to take decisive action against anyone attempting to undermine public order, guaranteeing that all political parties and candidates must be permitted to campaign freely in any part of Nigeria without fear for their safety. “We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters,” he warned.
​Rising Tensions Across States
​The presidential directive follows a string of violent incidents targeting political figures, convoys, and party events across multiple states in recent days:
​Lagos State: On Thursday, November 12, suspected thugs invaded the venue of a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting in Oregun, Ikeja, disrupting the event and attacking party supporters.
​Cross River State: On November 4, the convoy of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi was attacked in Calabar. Police subsequently confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the incident.
​Gombe State: Suspected political thugs recently attacked the convoy of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, during a visit to the state.
​Sokoto State: African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Manir Dan’iya accused security personnel of attacking his convoy near the Sokoto Airport—an allegation the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed.
​Against the backdrop of these incidents, President Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on issue-based engagement and strict adherence to the rule of law throughout the campaign season.