Tinubu Condemns Political Violence in Statement That Follows Reported Attacks on Opposition Events

Abuja, 13 November 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned all forms of violence linked to political events across the country and urged leaders and supporters of all parties to focus campaigns for the 2027 general elections on issues that promote the welfare of the people.

The State House press statement issued today comes in the wake of recent reports of violence at opposition gatherings. These include an attack on Thursday on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress during a town hall meeting in the Oregun area of Lagos, as well as earlier incidents involving the African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State and supporters of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State. Media reports and statements from affected parties have linked several of these disruptions to suspected thugs aligned with the All Progressives Congress, though the ruling party has denied involvement in some cases.

The statement comes from a president who in July, while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, declared that all is fair in politics and that everyone has equal opportunities. At the time, he dismissed suggestions that political opponents were being unfairly treated ahead of the 2027 elections and stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission is neutral.

In today’s statement, the President said he had followed reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country. He declared that every form of violence stands condemned and has no place in political campaigns as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.

“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. He committed himself to a peaceful, free, and fair election and urged political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly.

President Tinubu noted that belonging to different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make Nigerians enemies. He described citizens as members of the same household living in different rooms, adding that politics must elevate human conditions and focus on national progress and development.

He reiterated his previous directive to security agencies to be strict and firm against anyone who seeks to test the resolve of the government to preserve public order. The administration, he said, remains 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,” the statement added. Security agencies have been authorised to confront thuggery and other activities that undermine public order and democratic processes with full force.

By A.Ikechukwu