“We Shall Not Tolerate Political Violence” — Tinubu Orders Security Agencies To Crack Down On Thugs, Vows Free And Fair 2027 Elections

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to deal decisively with political thugs and other individuals threatening public peace ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that his administration will not tolerate violence, intimidation or any attempt to disrupt legitimate political activities across the country.

The President also reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful, free and fair elections, insisting that all political parties and candidates must be allowed to campaign freely anywhere in Nigeria without harassment, intimidation or fear for their safety, regardless of their political affiliations.

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

He condemned the growing incidents of political violence and warned politicians and their supporters against conduct capable of undermining public order as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.

According to the President, security agencies have been authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.

Tinubu maintained that political campaigns should focus on ideas, policies and programmes capable of improving the welfare of Nigerians rather than intimidation, aggression and physical confrontations among supporters of rival political parties.

“I have followed recent reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country.

“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 declared.

He emphasised that political contests should provide opportunities for candidates and parties to present their programmes to Nigerians and allow voters to make informed choices without fear or intimidation.

“Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country.

“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,” Tinubu stated.

Reiterating his earlier directive to security agencies, the President warned that his administration would not hesitate to enforce the law against anyone attempting to disrupt public order under the guise of political activities.

He maintained that the government was determined to create an atmosphere in which candidates, political parties, their supporters and members of the public could participate freely in 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 warned.

“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.

“We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters.

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

Tinubu further urged politicians and their supporters to recognise that differences in political affiliation, ambition and ideology should not translate into hostility or personal enmity.

He maintained that political competition must not undermine the country’s shared national identity or collective aspiration for peace and development.

According to him, democracy can thrive only when political opponents respect one another’s rights and citizens are allowed to exercise their democratic choices freely.

“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies.

“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’s warning followed growing concerns over attacks and disruptions at political gatherings, including violence reported at a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC PCC), the NDC and the House of Representatives had, on Thursday, condemned the violence that erupted at the venue of the political event.

According to reports, suspected thugs armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones invaded the venue while preparations were underway to receive the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Some supporters of the NDC reportedly sustained injuries during the attack, while several vehicles were vandalised.

Reacting to the incident, the APC condemned the attack, denied involvement and called for the arrest of those responsible.

Spokesman for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dele Alake, expressed concern that the recurring attacks on political activities could create unnecessary tension and threaten public order.

He warned that the incidents “could create needless crisis and public disorder.”

Alake also referred to recent incidents in Edo, Cross River and Gombe states, alongside the attack at the Oregun, Ikeja venue.

He urged political candidates and party leaders to shift their attention from confrontation to issue-based campaigns and called on security agencies to strengthen measures aimed at preventing violence.

The APC spokesperson specifically urged security agencies “to be more responsive and alert in preventing political violence of any type” across the country.

Similarly, the spokesperson of the NDC National Campaign Council, Chiogo Ikokwu, expressed sympathy with supporters injured during the Lagos attack and wished them a speedy recovery.

He called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence, maintaining that Nigerians must be free to participate in political activities without intimidation or threats to their safety.

“Nigeria is not a conquered territory, and political participation is not a crime,” the NDC stated.

The party also urged political actors and their supporters to reject violence and respect the rights of citizens to participate in political activities, irrespective of their party affiliations.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has intervened in the growing concerns over political violence by directing an ad hoc committee to investigate reported attacks and disruptions of political activities across the country.

The committee, headed by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, was mandated to identify the immediate and remote causes of the incidents and submit its report within three weeks.

The decision followed a resolution sponsored by 17 members of the House, including Minority Leader Fred Agbedi, expressing concern over reports of attacks on political gatherings.

The lawmakers warned that if the incidents were not addressed, they could discourage citizens from participating in lawful political activities and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

Presenting the motion on behalf of the sponsors, Agbedi appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to reject inflammatory rhetoric, discourage violence and cooperate with security agencies to maintain public peace.

He cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees the right of citizens to assemble freely and associate with others, including the right to form or belong to political parties.

The House maintained that political activities should be conducted in an atmosphere that respects the constitutional rights of citizens and allows all participants to exercise their freedoms without intimidation.

The development comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with concerns growing over the safety of participants at political gatherings.

While the APC and NDC have condemned the recent violence and called for action against those responsible, the House of Representatives has commenced steps towards investigating the incidents and identifying their causes.

President Tinubu, for his part, has directed security agencies to enforce the law firmly against political thugs and others threatening public peace, while insisting that no political party or candidate should be prevented from campaigning anywhere in the country.

He maintained that the overriding objective of political engagement should be national development, improved welfare for citizens and the preservation of democratic principles rather than the pursuit of political power through violence and intimidation.

The President consequently called on political leaders and supporters across party lines to demonstrate restraint, maturity and respect for one another’s rights throughout the electioneering period, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to a peaceful, free and fair electoral process.

Post Title: “We Shall Not Tolerate Political Violence” — Tinubu Orders Security Agencies To Crack Down On Thugs, Vows Free And Fair 2027 Elections By Papers Nigeria.