President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned political violence in all its forms and authorised security agencies to confront thugs and perpetrators of anti-democratic acts with full force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a personal statement released from the State House in Abuja on the evening of Friday, November 13, 2026, and shared via the official social media channels of his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President warned that his administration would not tolerate irresponsible conduct by politicians or their supporters, regardless of party affiliation.
The presidential directive comes on the heels of escalating political tensions nationwide, most notably Thursday’s violent disruption of a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting held on November 12, 2026, at the Classique Event Centre along Kudirat Abiola Way in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. During that incident, armed hoodlums attacked supporters of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, vandalised vehicles, and injured attendees.
Addressing the recent wave of unrest at campaign gatherings across the country, President Tinubu emphasised that political rivalry should never degenerate into bloodshed or intimidation.
“I have followed recent reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country. Every form of violence is condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections,” the President stated.
“Our campaigns should be about issues—a contestation of ideas that promotes 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.”
Reiterating his stance on national unity despite partisan differences, Tinubu reminded political actors that opposition does not equate to enmity.
“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 added.
Turning directly to law enforcement and intelligence institutions, the President reinforced his earlier standing order, originally issued on October 16, 2026, mandating security operatives to guarantee a safe environment for citizens and political actors nationwide.
“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. 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 declared.
The President’s intervention aligns with calls from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council. Earlier on Friday morning, November 13, 2026, the campaign council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Dele Alake, issued a separate statement condemning the Lagos NDC attack, urging politicians to restrain their followers, and demanding that security agencies swiftly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the commencement of a formal investigation into the Ikeja incident following the handover of a suspect apprehended at the event venue, as political stakeholders and civil society groups continue to demand accountability to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming 2027 polls.
