President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to deal firmly with political thuggery and other activities capable of undermining public order ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President gave the directive in a statement he personally signed on Friday, November 13, while condemning reported cases of violence at political gatherings across the country.
Tinubu warned politicians and their supporters against resorting to violence, stressing that political campaigns should focus on ideas, public welfare and national development.
He said, “Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections.”
The President maintained that political differences should not create hostility among Nigerians, urging political parties to embrace issue-based campaigns rather than confrontation.
According to him, “Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country.”
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, adding that candidates and political parties must be allowed to campaign freely across the country without intimidation.
He said Nigerians, despite their political affiliations and ambitions, remained members of the same national community.
“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.
The President further urged security agencies to remain firm in protecting public order and preventing activities capable of threatening the electoral process.
“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,” he stated.
He added that the government would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting peaceful political participation.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” Tinubu said.
