2027: Tinubu Condemns Political Violence, Orders Security Agencies To Confront Thuggery, Others
By Sunday Etuka
President Bola Tinubu has condemned violence in political campaigns and directed security agencies to act firmly against anyone who threatens public order as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, the President said he had followed recent reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country, and that 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 said political contests should be driven by issues and a contest of ideas that improve the lives of citizens and advance national progress.
“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 pledged his personal commitment to a peaceful, free and fair election and urged political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly.
“As the leader of this country, I commit myself to a peaceful, free, and fair election,” he said.
Tinubu repeated a theme he has raised before, that belonging to different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make Nigerians enemies.
“As Nigerians, we are members of the same household living in different rooms,” he said. “Therefore, our politics must elevate human conditions and focus on national progress and development.”
The President restated an earlier directive to the security agencies, asking them to be strict and firm with anyone who seeks to test the government’s resolve to preserve public order.
“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,” he said.
He warned that irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters would not be tolerated and authorised the security agencies to deal decisively with offenders.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” he said.
Nigeria’s general elections are scheduled for 2027, and political activity has been building as parties, aspirants and supporters hold rallies, consultations and other events across the country.
Election seasons in Nigeria have often been marked by clashes between rival supporters, attacks on campaign offices and disruption of political gatherings, which have raised concerns among civil society groups, election observers and security analysts about the safety of candidates and voters.
The President’s latest statement follows his earlier call for peaceful conduct and his previous directive to security agencies to maintain order during the electoral process.
It also comes as the government seeks to assure parties and candidates that they will be free to campaign anywhere in the country.
