Get Guardian on GoogleThe Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS), popularly known as Tinubu Must Stay, has expressed concern over the growing incidents of political violence, intimidation and attacks on political gatherings ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They urge political parties, candidates and supporters to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for peaceful political engagement and reject all forms of thuggery.
The Director-General of TMS, Mr Marcel Ngogbehei, said the movement welcomed the President’s position against political violence and his directive for appropriate security action, stressing that the safety of Nigerians and the protection of democratic freedoms must take precedence over partisan interests.
Ngogbehei expressed concern over reports of an alleged attack involving the President’s convoy following Friday prayers at a mosque in Abuja on November 13, 2026.
He described any attempt to attack a political leader, disrupt religious activities or endanger worshippers and other members of the public as unacceptable, regardless of the political grievances involved.
The TMS Director-General, however, emphasised that the circumstances surrounding the reported incident must be established through credible investigations, noting that allegations of objects being thrown at the presidential convoy should not be treated as conclusively established without verification.
He called on security agencies to implement lawful measures to prevent attacks against political leaders, opposition figures, journalists and ordinary citizens.
“Democracy thrives on persuasion, not coercion, and no political ambition is worth the blood of an innocent Nigerian,” he stated.
He warned that places of worship must never become theatres of political confrontation, stressing that Nigerians have the right to express political disagreement peacefully without resorting to intimidation, violence or conduct capable of endangering lives.
A statement signed Director, Media and Strategic Communication Adebisi Adams revealed that preliminary internal monitoring by TMS shows that at least 22 suspected incidents of political violence have been reported across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the commencement of presidential campaigns on August 19, 2026.
Of these, 14 reportedly occurred between October 28 and November 12, suggesting a worrying escalation in politically related security incidents.
The foundation emphasised that the figures remain preliminary and subject to independent verification, further investigation and subsequent updates.
Ngogbehei said the reported incidents underscored the urgency of preventive security measures and responsible conduct by political leaders and their supporters.
He cautioned against exploiting attacks for partisan advantage or attributing criminal responsibility to President Tinubu, the Federal Government, opposition parties or other political organisations before investigations establish the facts.
“We must condemn violence without politicising the pain of its victims. The suffering of innocent Nigerians should never become campaign ammunition or an opportunity for political blame-trading,” he stated.
According to him, political leaders have a responsibility to calm tensions, discourage retaliation and cooperate with security agencies rather than encourage suspicion through inflammatory statements.
He maintained that individuals who organise, finance, encourage or perpetrate political violence must face investigation and prosecution, irrespective of their political affiliations or social standing.
TMS called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to strengthen protective arrangements around political rallies, campaign offices, town hall meetings, processions and other lawful political activities.
The foundation stressed that the President’s position against political violence should reinforce the principle that all Nigerians deserve equal protection, irrespective of the political parties or candidates they support.
“Whether it is an APC rally, an ADC meeting, an NDC town hall or a PDP campaign, every Nigerian must be free to participate peacefully without fear of attack, harassment or intimidation,” Ngogbehei said.
He urged security agencies to investigate reported attacks impartially, provide timely updates on arrests and prosecutions, and ensure that no politically connected individual enjoys protection from accountability.
TMS also advised political parties and campaign organisations to notify the police in writing ahead of major gatherings, indicating the proposed venue, date, expected attendance and anticipated security requirements.
The movement explained that advance communication would facilitate threat assessments, crowd management, emergency planning and adequate deployment of security personnel.
It, however, cautioned that such coordination must not become a requirement for police permission to exercise constitutional rights or an excuse to obstruct lawful opposition activities.
The foundation equally condemned reported attacks, intimidation and harassment of journalists covering political events, stressing that press freedom and the public’s right to information must be protected throughout the electoral process.
“Journalists are not combatants in political contests. They must be protected while performing their legitimate responsibilities, regardless of the party or candidate they are covering,” Ngogbehei stated.
He called on political parties to educate their supporters against assaults on media professionals, destruction of equipment and interference with legitimate news coverage.
The TMS Director-General also warned against ethnic and religious incitement, misinformation, provocative political statements and the mobilisation of thugs to disrupt rival political activities.
He urged party leaders and campaign organisations to adopt disciplinary measures against supporters found encouraging violence or threatening political opponents.
While reaffirming its support for President Tinubu’s re-election, TMS maintained that political continuity must be pursued through persuasion, peaceful grassroots mobilisation, constructive public engagement and respect for democratic institutions.
Ngogbehei urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Peace Committee, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, traditional rulers and religious leaders to intensify preventive engagements ahead of the elections.
He emphasised that electoral credibility depended not only on voting procedures but also on the ability of Nigerians to campaign, assemble, express their opinions and participate in political activities without fear.
“Political differences must never turn Nigerians into enemies. No election victory is worth the destruction of our communities, and no political ambition should be pursued at the expense of national stability,” he concluded.
The foundation reiterated its support for impartial law enforcement, credible investigations and the protection of constitutional freedoms, insisting that political competition must never undermine Nigeria’s peace, unity and democratic stability.
