President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to deal firmly with political thuggery and other anti-democratic activities as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The President, who condemned recent reports of violence at political events across the country, warned politicians and their supporters against turning election campaigns into platforms for intimidation, violence and confrontation.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by the State House on Friday, insisted that political campaigns must be driven by issues, competing ideas and policies capable of improving the welfare of Nigerians rather than personal attacks and violent confrontations.
“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.
He called on political leaders and their supporters across party lines to embrace responsible conduct, stressing that political differences and competing ambitions should not make Nigerians enemies.
The President said democracy should provide an opportunity for the contestation of ideas and programmes that advance national development and improve the living conditions of citizens.
He illustrated the need for political tolerance by describing Nigerians as members of one household occupying different rooms, despite their political affiliations.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, insisting that every political party and candidate must be allowed to campaign freely in any part of the country without intimidation or threats to personal safety.
He, however, warned that the government would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining public order or threatening the credibility of the electoral process.
Tinubu consequently reiterated his earlier directive to security
agencies to remain firm against individuals seeking to disrupt public peace through violence and other unlawful activities.
“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 said.
He further authorised security operatives to confront political thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” the President declared.
The warning comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, with political parties and aspirants increasingly engaging in consultations, mobilisation and campaign preparations.
Tinubu said his administration remained committed to an orderly electoral process in which political competition would not compromise the safety of citizens or the right of candidates to seek public support.
The statement was signed by President Tinubu in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on November 13, 2026.
