Tinubu Orders Security Agencies To Crush Political Thuggery Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Ayomide Awe

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to confront political thuggery and other anti-democratic activities with full force ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The President warned politicians and their supporters against resorting to violence, intimidation and other acts capable of undermining the country’s democratic process.

Tinubu gave the directive in a statement he personally signed on Friday, November 13, 2026, following reports of violence at political gatherings in different parts of the country.

He condemned the incidents, insisting that political campaigns should be driven by issues, competing ideas and policies that promote the welfare of Nigerians rather than hostility among political parties and their supporters.

“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move towards the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The President stressed that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility, adding that the country’s electoral process must provide an atmosphere where all political parties and candidates can freely canvass for votes.

According to him, political engagement should focus on national development and improving the living conditions of citizens.

“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.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, urging political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to demonstrate restraint and responsibility in their political activities.

The President maintained that differences in political affiliations and ambitions should not turn Nigerians against one another.

“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.

Tinubu further reiterated his earlier directive to security agencies to remain firm against individuals and groups seeking to disrupt public peace.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate conduct capable of threatening public order or compromising the safety of citizens during the electioneering period.

“I want to reiterate my previous directive to the security agencies to be strict and firm against anyone who seeks to test our resolve and will to preserve public order,” he added.

The President also insisted that all political parties and their candidates must be guaranteed the freedom to campaign across the country without intimidation, harassment or fear of attacks.

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 consequently authorised security agencies to confront political thuggery and other activities capable of undermining democracy with full force.

“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force,” Tinubu declared.

The directive comes as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with growing concerns over the conduct of political actors and the need to safeguard the electoral environment from violence and intimidation.