President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed political violence on the radar of Nigeria’s security agencies, directing operatives to take uncompromising action against individuals whose activities threaten public order as political preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive sends a warning to politicians and their supporters that the forthcoming electioneering period must not become an opportunity for intimidation, physical confrontations or the use of hired thugs to settle political disagreements.
Tinubu said no political interest would be allowed to override the responsibility of government to protect lives, maintain stability and guarantee citizens the freedom to participate in democratic activities.
In a statement personally signed by him and released on Friday, the President disclosed that he had been monitoring reports of violent confrontations linked to political gatherings in different parts of the country.
He expressed displeasure over the development, insisting that disagreements among political parties should be settled through democratic engagement rather than confrontations capable of endangering lives and disrupting public activities.
“I have followed recent reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country.
“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections,” he said.
The President’s position places responsibility on security agencies to prevent political activities from being hijacked by individuals who may seek to intimidate opponents or create an atmosphere of insecurity during campaigns.
He specifically instructed security operatives to respond firmly to threats against public peace, making it clear that the identity, political connections or party membership of offenders should not influence the enforcement of the law.
“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,” Tinubu warned.
He further stated that all registered political interests and their candidates must be given the opportunity to seek public support without being subjected to harassment or restrictions.
“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,” he added.
Beyond the security directive, Tinubu addressed the attitude of political supporters towards individuals with opposing views, warning against allowing partisan loyalty to destroy relationships among Nigerians.
He noted that political competition should not be mistaken for personal hostility, explaining that citizens could belong to different parties, support different candidates and hold opposing political opinions without becoming enemies.
The President used the opportunity to remind political actors that Nigeria’s collective interests should remain more important than the ambitions of individuals seeking elective positions.
He illustrated the need for national cohesion with an analogy of Nigerians belonging to one household despite occupying different rooms.
“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 challenged political stakeholders to make the quality of their proposals the centrepiece of election campaigns, rather than relying on aggression and confrontational tactics to gain public attention.
According to him, the electoral process should provide a platform for competing political ideas, particularly those capable of improving the welfare of citizens and advancing the country’s development.
“Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote 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,” he stated.
The President’s intervention comes as political activities begin to attract greater attention across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 polls. With parties and their supporters preparing for another electoral contest, concerns over security at political gatherings have become an important issue.
His latest warning places political parties under pressure to ensure that their members and supporters conduct themselves responsibly, particularly during rallies, consultations and other public engagements.
It also reinforces the need for security agencies to protect political participants without discrimination, ensuring that candidates can campaign freely while members of the public remain safe.
Tinubu maintained that the country’s democratic process must be driven by peaceful competition and meaningful engagement, not the intimidation of opponents or the use of violence to advance political ambitions.
He urged politicians across party lines to recognise that the struggle for political office is temporary, while the responsibility to preserve national unity and protect the lives of fellow citizens remains a collective obligation.
The administration, he said, would not compromise on maintaining public order as the country approaches another general election.
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