Following recurring reports of violence, in some parts of the country, as electioneering campaigns for 2027 elections in Nigeria intensify, the President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has urged political parties, political leaders, candidates and their supporters to avoid any form of violence during political events.
In a press statement signed by himself, the President who condemned violent act during political events, warned that his administration will not tolerate irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters. He therefore counselled that campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of Nigerians and the progress of the country.
“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.
“Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country.
‘”We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters,”he said.
Tinubu who reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful, free and fair election, urged all political stakeholders across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly, saying, being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make them enemies.
“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.
“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,” he counselled.
Insisting that every politician is free to campaign anywhere in the country without molestation or fear for their safety, the Commander-in-Chief, therefore ordered security agencies to ensure protection for all political parties and candidates and move against anyone who may want to cause any form of violence during political events in any part of the country.
“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.
“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,” he commanded.
Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force.
