The presidential campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly been unsettled following the chaotic incident during his visit to the Shehu Shagari Mosque in Abuja on Friday, November 13, where angry residents were seen throwing stones at his convoy.
The incident has generated negative publicity for the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify.
Tinubu had visited the mosque to observe the Juma’at prayer when the situation reportedly turned chaotic. Videos circulating on social media showed some residents expressing anger as the president’s convoy arrived, with protesters throwing stones and shouting that they would not vote for him.
Gunshots were also heard in some of the videos as security operatives attempted to control the crowd and prevent protesters from moving closer to the presidential convoy.
The development came amid growing concerns over political violence and controversies surrounding the APC’s campaign activities.
Just days before the incident, an APC Presidential Campaign Council member, Alwan Hassan, generated controversy during a live television appearance on Channels Television.
While discussing the achievements of the Tinubu administration, Hassan challenged the programme’s presenter to dial the emergency number 112 and demonstrate how Nigerians could access emergency services, including ambulance assistance.
However, repeated attempts by both the presenter and Hassan to reach the number during the live broadcast were unsuccessful, triggering embarrassment and criticism from viewers, including some APC supporters.
Following the incident, the campaign council reportedly directed its spokespersons to stop granting media interviews, except for the council’s designated spokesperson, its chairman and the Minister of Information.
Hassan was also reportedly removed from the campaign council.
The latest controversy surrounding Tinubu’s visit to the mosque has further increased pressure on the ruling party, especially following reports of attacks on opposition politicians and supporters in several states.
Political violence has reportedly been recorded in Delta, Ebonyi, Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Benue, Ekiti, Enugu, Anambra, Yobe, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Plateau states, among others, with some incidents allegedly resulting in deaths.
Presidency Calls for Peaceful and Issue-Based Campaigns
Reacting to the growing concerns, President Tinubu condemned political violence and urged politicians and their supporters to focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than resorting to intimidation and attacks.
In a statement dated November 13, 2026, and signed by the president, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to peaceful, free and fair elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement, titled “Let’s Shun Violence: Our Campaigns Must Be About Issues That Promote the Welfare of Our People,” emphasised the need for political parties to conduct their activities responsibly.
Tinubu said violence should have no place in the country’s political campaigns, stressing that political disagreements should not turn Nigerians into enemies.
He stated that campaigns should focus on presenting ideas and policies capable of improving the welfare of citizens and promoting national development.
The president also urged political leaders across party lines to understand that belonging to different political parties does not make them enemies.
Tinubu further reiterated his directive to security agencies to take firm action against individuals involved in political violence and activities capable of threatening public order.
He maintained that all political parties and candidates must be allowed to campaign freely in every part of the country without fear of intimidation or attacks.
The president warned that his administration would not tolerate irresponsible conduct from politicians and their supporters.
He also authorised security agencies to confront political thuggery and other anti-democratic activities with full force.
Presidency Shares Video of Tinubu’s Reception
Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga shared another video of Tinubu’s visit to the mosque in an apparent effort to counter the negative impression created by videos showing protesters attacking the presidential convoy.
The video showed Tinubu standing in an open vehicle and waving at a group of people, many of whom appeared to be officials who had arrived ahead of the president.
Onanuga described the footage as evidence of the warm reception accorded to Tinubu at the mosque.
In his post, he wrote: “Original footage of the rousing welcome accorded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Area 1 Garki Central Mosque today.”
However, videos circulating online showed a different side of the incident, with visibly angry residents throwing stones at the convoy and expressing opposition to Tinubu’s re-election ambition.
Sowore Reacts, Accuses Tinubu of Double Standards
The president’s call for peaceful and issue-based campaigns has attracted criticism from the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore accused Tinubu of speaking against political violence only after experiencing hostility during his visit to the Abuja mosque.
In a social media post, the activist questioned why the president had not demonstrated the same level of concern over previous attacks allegedly involving APC supporters and opposition politicians.
He specifically referenced reported attacks during political activities in Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Enugu and Delta states.
Sowore also recalled an alleged attack on his team in Ado-Ekiti on October 30, 2026, claiming that individuals linked to the APC and the City Boy Movement were responsible.
He alleged that some political figures in Ekiti State were connected to the incident and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
According to him, those he identified as suspects had yet to be brought to justice.
Sowore also cited an attack on an NDC town hall meeting in Lagos, where supporters had gathered ahead of an address by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
He argued that opposition politicians and their supporters had faced intimidation during the current political season.
The AAC candidate maintained that the demand for peaceful campaigns should apply to every political party and should not become important only when political hostility affects the president or members of the ruling party.
The controversy has added another dimension to the growing political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns mounting over the safety of politicians, their supporters and the ability of opposition parties to campaign freely across the country.
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