2027 Elections: TMS Backs Tinubu’s Anti-Thuggery Directive, Demands Protection for Political Rallies, Journalists
2027 Elections: TMS Backs Tinubu’s Anti-Thuggery Directive, Demands Protection for Political Rallies, Journalists
The Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS), popularly known as Tinubu Must Stay, has backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive against political thuggery, calling on security agencies to protect political gatherings, journalists and citizens against rising incidents of violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The movement also condemned any attempt to attack political leaders or disrupt religious gatherings following reports of an alleged attack on the President’s convoy after Friday prayers at a mosque in Abuja on November 13, 2026.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Strategic Communication, Adebisi Adams, the Director-General of TMS, Marcel Ngogbehei, warned political parties, candidates and supporters against intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric and the exploitation of violent incidents for partisan advantage.
Ngogbehei welcomed President Tinubu’s condemnation of political violence and his directive to security agencies to take firm action against thuggery, stressing that the safety of Nigerians and the protection of democratic freedoms must remain paramount.
He, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions about the reported Abuja incident before credible investigations establish the facts, noting that allegations of objects being thrown at the presidential convoy remained disputed.
According to him, places of worship must never become theatres of political confrontation, while political disagreement should be expressed peacefully without endangering lives or property.
“Democracy thrives on persuasion, not coercion, and no political ambition is worth the blood of an innocent Nigerian,” Ngogbehei declared.
The TMS director-general disclosed that preliminary internal monitoring by the foundation identified at least 22 suspected incidents of political violence across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the commencement of presidential campaigns on August 19, 2026.
He said 14 of the reported incidents occurred between October 28 and November 12, describing the apparent escalation as a disturbing development requiring urgent preventive measures.
Ngogbehei, however, clarified that the figures remained preliminary and subject to independent verification and further investigation.
He warned political actors against attributing responsibility for violent incidents to President Tinubu, the Federal Government, opposition parties or other political organisations without credible evidence.
“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 said.
The TMS chief maintained that political leaders had a responsibility to calm tensions, discourage retaliation and cooperate with security agencies rather than inflame public suspicion through provocative statements.
He insisted that individuals who organise, finance, encourage or perpetrate political violence must face investigation and prosecution regardless of their political affiliations or social standing.
Ngogbehei also 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.
He stressed that the President’s position against political violence should reinforce equal protection for all Nigerians, irrespective of their political preferences.
“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,” he stated.
The foundation urged security agencies to investigate reported attacks impartially, provide regular public updates on arrests and prosecutions, and ensure that politically connected individuals were not shielded from accountability.
As part of preventive measures, TMS advised political parties and campaign organisations to notify the police in writing ahead of major gatherings, indicating the proposed dates, venues, expected attendance and anticipated security requirements.
Ngogbehei explained that advance communication would facilitate threat assessments, crowd management, emergency planning and adequate deployment of security personnel.
He, however, cautioned that security coordination must not become a requirement for police permission to exercise constitutional rights or an excuse to obstruct lawful opposition activities.
The movement also condemned reported attacks, intimidation and harassment of journalists covering political events, insisting 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 said.
He urged political parties to educate their supporters against assaults on media professionals, destruction of equipment and interference with legitimate news coverage.
The director-general further warned against ethnic and religious incitement, misinformation, provocative political statements and the mobilisation of thugs to disrupt rival political activities.
He called on political parties and campaign organisations to adopt disciplinary measures against members and supporters found encouraging violence or threatening political opponents.
While reaffirming TMS’s support for President Tinubu’s re-election, Ngogbehei maintained that political continuity must be pursued through peaceful grassroots mobilisation, constructive public engagement and respect for democratic institutions.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Peace Committee, security agencies, civil society organisations, political parties, traditional rulers and religious leaders to intensify preventive engagements ahead of the elections.
According to him, the credibility of the 2027 polls would depend 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,” Ngogbehei 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.
By TimesNG