Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Thuggery, Violence Ahead of 2027

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the spate of violence trailing political activities across the country, warning politicians and their supporters that thuggery will not be tolerated ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The directive was contained in a statement the President personally signed on Friday, November 13, 2026, following reports of attacks on political candidates, their supporters, and party gatherings in different parts of the country, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE STATEMENT

The President was unequivocal. “Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections,” he said. “Our campaigns should be about issues—a contestation of ideas that promotes the welfare of our people and the progress of our country.”

ADVERTISEMENT

He stressed that political differences should not turn Nigerians into 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 said. “I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies.”

The President said he was committed to a peaceful, free, and fair election, urging political leaders and their supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly.

He also renewed his directive to security agencies to take firm action against anyone seeking to undermine public 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. “Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force.”

THE VIOLENCE THAT SPARKED THE WARNING

The President’s statement came amid a series of reported attacks on political figures and events across the country.In Gombe State, the convoy of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, was attacked by suspected political thugs during a visit to the state.

In Sokoto State, African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Manir Dan’iya, accused security personnel of attacking his convoy near the Sokoto Airport, an allegation the state All Progressives Congress dismissed.

The convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was attacked in Calabar, Cross River State, on November 4, with the police arresting a suspect in connection with the incident.

On Thursday, November 12, suspected thugs invaded an NDC town hall meeting venue in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State, disrupting the gathering and attacking supporters.

THE ANALYTICAL LENS

President Tinubu’s statement is a necessary intervention, but it raises a fundamental question: who are the thugs?

The violence that has trailed political activities across the country is not the work of anonymous criminals. It is the work of political actors, operating with the tacit or explicit approval of the candidates and parties they serve.

When a convoy is attacked, when a town hall is invaded, when supporters are beaten, the perpetrators are not ghosts.

They are known. They are connected. And they are protected.The President has authorised security agencies to act with full force.

But security agencies cannot arrest the problem if the problem is embedded in the political class itself. The thugs are not external enemies. They are the foot soldiers of the same political system that the President leads.

The statement is also a political document. By condemning violence and calling for issue-based campaigns, Tinubu is positioning himself as the candidate of order and stability. It is a contrast he will seek to draw against opponents he will portray as divisive or lawless.

But the credibility of the message depends on the consistency of its enforcement. If the thugs who attacked Pantami’s convoy are arrested and prosecuted, the President’s words will carry weight. If they are not, the statement will be remembered as rhetoric.

The campaign has begun. The violence has escalated. And the President has drawn a line. The question is whether anyone will cross it. ValidViewNetwork reports.