President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to crack down on political thuggery and other anti-democratic activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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He also warned politicians and their supporters against violence, saying his administration would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining public order during the electioneering period.
Mr Tinubu gave the directive in a statement issued by the State House on Friday, following reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country.
Electoral violence has remained a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, with attacks, intimidation, clashes between rival supporters and destruction of campaign materials often accompanying electioneering activities.
PREMIUM TIMES reports that recent incidents have heightened concerns. On 28 October, suspected political thugs attacked a convoy conveying All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters to a campaign rally in Funtua, Katsina State, injuring a woman and damaging vehicles.
On 7 November, violence at a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, left one person dead and five others injured, according to the police. On 12 November, suspected thugs disrupted a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting in Lagos, attacking supporters and damaging vehicles. Similar attacks were reported during political activities in other places including Ekiti, Cross River and Sokoto states.
“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections,” Mr Tinubu said.
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He urged political parties to focus their campaigns on issues and competing ideas that promote the welfare of Nigerians and national development.
“As the leader of this country, I commit myself to a peaceful, free, and fair election, and I urge political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly,” he said.
Mr Tinubu said political differences and competing ambitions should not turn politicians into enemies, stressing that Nigerians belonged to the same national community.
“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies,” he said.
The president also reiterated his earlier directive to security agencies to act firmly against anyone seeking to undermine public order.
He said all political parties and candidates must be protected and allowed to campaign anywhere in the country without intimidation or threats to their safety.
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“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.
Mr Tinubu said security agencies had his authorisation to use full force against political thuggery and other activities threatening the electoral process.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” he added.
PREMIUM TIMES reports that in response to incidents of violence, including the destruction of campaign materials in some parts of the country, the police issued a stern warning last week, saying that anyone found engaging in such acts would be arrested and prosecuted.