Tinubu warns politicians against violence, orders security agencies to confront thuggery

President Bola Tinubu has warned politicians and their supporters against violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, directing security agencies to deal firmly with acts of thuggery and other anti-democratic activities.

The President said political campaigns should focus on issues and ideas that promote the welfare of Nigerians and national development rather than violence.

Tinubu stated this in a statement on Friday, following reports of violence at the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC political gathering in Lagos.

He condemned all forms of political violence, insisting that they had no place in the country’s democratic process.

“Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country,” he said.

The President said he was committed to ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, urging political leaders and their supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly.

He added that political differences and competing ambitions should not turn Nigerians into enemies.

“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.

Tinubu also reiterated his directive to security agencies to be strict against anyone seeking to undermine public order.

He said the administration would ensure that all political parties and candidates were protected and allowed to campaign freely anywhere in the country without intimidation or threats to their safety.

“We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters,” the President said.