President Bola Tinubu has condemned the growing incidents of political violence across the country, warning politicians and their supporters against turning campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections into theatres of intimidation and bloodshed.
The President, in a statement issued by the State House on Friday, November 13, called on political parties to prioritise issues, policies and ideas that would improve the welfare of Nigerians rather than resort to violence and other anti-democratic activities.
Tinubu said violence had no place in the country’s political process, insisting that the forthcoming elections must be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, freedom and fairness.
He urged political leaders and their supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly, stressing that political differences and competing ambitions should not turn Nigerians into enemies.
According to the President, belonging to different political parties does not erase the common bond among citizens or their shared responsibility for the country’s progress.
“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies,” he stated.
Using a family analogy to underscore the need for political tolerance, Tinubu said Nigerians were members of the same household, even though they occupied different rooms.
“Therefore, our politics must elevate human conditions and focus on national progress and development,” he added.
The President also renewed his directive to security agencies to take a firm position against individuals seeking to undermine public order through political violence, thuggery and other unlawful activities.
He authorised security operatives to confront such conduct with full force, warning that his administration would not tolerate irresponsible behaviour by politicians or their supporters.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” the statement read.
Tinubu further assured Nigerians that his administration remained committed to ensuring an orderly and peaceful electoral process, with all political parties and candidates guaranteed the freedom to campaign in any part of the country without harassment, intimidation or threats to their safety.
He insisted that political campaigns must provide a platform for competing ideas and practical solutions to the country’s challenges, rather than become occasions for violence.
The President’s warning comes as political activities and alignments gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns mounting over reports of attacks and violent disruptions at political gatherings in different parts of the country.