President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to confront political thuggery, violence and other anti-democratic activities with full force ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning politicians and their supporters that his administration will not tolerate conduct capable of undermining public order.
The President also called on political parties and their supporters across the country to embrace issue-based campaigns, stressing that political contests should revolve around competing ideas, policy alternatives and programmes capable of improving the welfare of Nigerians rather than violence and intimidation.
Tinubu made the position known in a personally signed statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, following reports of violent incidents accompanying political activities in different parts of the country.
In the statement titled, "Let's Shun Violence: Our Campaigns Must Be About Issues That Promote the Welfare of Our People," the President condemned all forms of electoral violence and insisted that political disagreements should not degenerate into hostility among Nigerians.
"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 declared.
He maintained that political campaigns should provide an avenue for constructive engagement, policy debates and the presentation of alternative approaches to governance, with the ultimate objective of advancing national development.
"Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country," Tinubu stated.
Reaffirming his administration's commitment to a peaceful electoral process, the President urged political leaders, candidates and supporters, irrespective of their party affiliations, to exercise restraint and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electioneering period.
He stressed that political differences and competing ambitions should not be allowed to undermine national cohesion, insisting that Nigerians remained members of one national community despite their divergent political interests.
"I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies," he said.
Drawing an analogy to underscore the need for national unity, Tinubu described Nigerians as members of the same household occupying different rooms, warning against political engagements that promote division and hostility.
"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 added.
The President also reiterated his earlier directive to security agencies to remain vigilant, firm and decisive against individuals or groups seeking to undermine public order through political 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 assured political parties and candidates of protection, maintaining that every political platform must enjoy the freedom to canvass for votes in any part of the country without intimidation, harassment or threats to the safety of its members.
According to him, his administration remains committed to ensuring an orderly and peaceful electoral environment in which political actors can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear of molestation.
"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," Tinubu stated.
However, the President warned that the government would not condone irresponsible behaviour by politicians or their supporters, particularly actions capable of triggering violence, disrupting political activities or threatening the nation's democratic process.
"We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters," he warned.
In a firm directive to security operatives, Tinubu authorised the relevant agencies to confront political thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force, emphasising the need to preserve public order and safeguard the electoral environment.
"Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force," he declared.
The presidential intervention comes amid heightened concerns over reported attacks, disruptions of political gatherings and confrontations involving supporters of different political parties in some parts of the country as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President's statement consequently places responsibility on political leaders, party officials and their supporters to ensure that electoral competition remains peaceful, lawful and centred on issues of public importance.
Tinubu signed the statement as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on November 13, 2026.
