The Presidency has dismissed viral social media reports alleging that youths stoned President Bola Tinubu’s convoy following Juma’at prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, on Friday, November 13, 2026.
O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, alongside Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, rejected the allegations as false and misleading.
According to eyewitness accounts reported by local media, President Tinubu arrived at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque at approximately 1:49 p.m. on Friday, November 13, accompanied by top government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Special Adviser on Political Affairs Ibrahim Masari, and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Shortly after the congregational prayers concluded, video clips began circulating online showing crowds outside the mosque chanting Hausa slogans such as “Ba ma yi, ba ma so” (“We don’t want you; we don’t support you”) and “Tinubu must go,” with some footage appearing to show youths throwing stones at a passing convoy.
African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dino Melaye shared one of the viral videos on social media, amplifying claims that angry youths had pelted the president’s motorcade.
Some witnesses attributed the tension outside the premises to strict security cordons and roadblocks that prevented worshippers from entering the mosque after the president’s arrival.
In a swift rebuttal posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday afternoon, O’tega Ogra accused opposition figures of circulating staged footage featuring “paid thugs” to push a false narrative.
”FACT CHECK! Opposition Lied. Contrary to the narrative being pushed by the opposition, with videos of their alleged paid thugs at the central Mosque today, here is footage of Mr. President leaving the mosque after Friday prayers today,” Ogra wrote, attaching an alternative video clip showing President Tinubu departing the mosque premises peacefully amid cheers.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga also refuted the stoning reports when contacted by journalists, stating categorically in a brief message, “This is not true”.
The dispute over Friday’s mosque visit unfolds amid heightened political friction across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier on the same day, November 13, President Tinubu issued a personally signed statement condemning political violence and thuggery at campaign events, warning political actors and their supporters that security agencies had been authorised to deal decisively with anti-democratic conduct.
