Get Guardian on Google***Calls for issue-based campaigns, assures parties of freedom to campaign nationwide
***Says political differences should not turn Nigerians into enemies
President Bola Tinubu has warned politicians and their supporters against resorting to violence, intimidation and political thuggery ahead of the 2027 general elections, directing security agencies to deal firmly with anyone seeking to undermine public order.
The President, who condemned recent reports of violence accompanying political activities in different parts of the country, said the forthcoming electoral contest should be defined by issues, competing ideas and policy alternatives capable of improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
President Tinubu stressed that political competition must not degenerate into hostility, noting that differences in party affiliation and political ambitions should not divide Nigerians or threaten the country’s unity.
In a statement on Friday, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, while calling on political leaders and their supporters across party lines to demonstrate restraint and responsibility.
“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move towards the 2027 general elections.
“Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country,” he said.
The President’s intervention comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns over violence at political gatherings and the potential escalation of confrontations among supporters of rival political parties.
President Tinubu maintained that democracy should provide an avenue for the peaceful expression of divergent political views rareher than a platform for intimidation, coercion and violence.
He said being members of different political parties or pursuing competing political ambitions did not make Nigerians enemies, describing the country as one household whose members merely occupy different rooms.
“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.
Reiterating his commitment to a credible electoral process, Tinubu assured that all political parties and candidates would be protected and allowed to canvass for votes anywhere in the country without harassment or fear for their safety.
He, however, warned that his administration would not tolerate any attempt by politicians or their supporters to disrupt public order, directing security agencies to enforce the law against perpetrators of political violence.
The President specifically renewed his directive to security agencies to remain firm against individuals and groups seeking to test the government’s resolve to maintain peace and order.
“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 added that security agencies had the authority to confront political thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force.
“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,” Tinubu declared.
The President urged political stakeholders to place national interest above partisan considerations, insisting that the ultimate purpose of political engagement should be the welfare of citizens, national cohesion and sustainable development.
