Why ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Leaders Must Disown Violence Before 2027
By Umar Farouk Bala
No political ambition, however legitimate, is worth the blood of a Nigerian. No campaign slogan, however popular, should become a licence for intimidation, destruction or violence. As the 2027 general elections approach, those who mobilise citizens against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must recognise that the right to demand political change carries an equally important responsibility to preserve peace.
The reported incident at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque, Area 1, Garki, Abuja, on Friday, November 13, 2026, should concern every Nigerian who values democracy and religious harmony.
President Tinubu had attended Juma’at prayers when some worshippers and youths reportedly booed him and chanted “Tinubu Must Go” as his convoy departed. Videos circulated online, including footage shared by an African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and individuals associated with the Tinubu Must Go (TMG) campaign, appeared to show objects being thrown towards a convoy believed to be carrying the President.
The Presidency has disputed allegations that the convoy was stoned, and there is no independent confirmation that the President or his vehicle was struck. These claims must therefore remain allegations until credible evidence establishes what occurred.
Nevertheless, the controversy raises a fundamental question: How far should political anger be allowed to intrude into places of worship and threaten public safety?
A mosque is a sanctuary for prayer, reflection and spiritual devotion. It brings together worshippers of different political persuasions, including elders, children and families. Turning its surroundings into a scene of confrontation risks undermining the sanctity of worship and provoking avoidable tensions.
There is nothing unlawful about peacefully chanting “Tinubu Must Go.” Nigerians have the constitutional right to criticise their leaders, reject government policies and demand political change. But throwing objects at convoys, intimidating worshippers or endangering bystanders crosses the boundary between legitimate expression and potentially criminal conduct.
The Abuja controversy also comes amid reports of attacks on political campaign materials across the country.
In Abia State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged that more than 15 billboards associated with President Tinubu and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives were destroyed in one night. Similar complaints emerged from Zamfara, where the APC condemned the destruction of presidential billboards in Gusau, while youths in Kano were reportedly involved in tearing down APC campaign materials.
The Inspector-General of Police has consequently warned that destroying campaign materials constitutes a criminal offence and directed police commissioners to take appropriate action.
These incidents require impartial investigation. Their perpetrators should not be presumed to belong to any particular political movement without evidence. However, the pattern of reported hostility demands attention before isolated confrontations escalate into wider electoral violence.
### A Direct Challenge to Tinubu Must Go Leaders
I therefore challenge the organisers and prominent supporters of the Tinubu Must Go movement to publicly and unequivocally condemn political violence, attacks on convoys, destruction of campaign materials and attempts to turn religious gatherings into political battlegrounds.
A movement demanding the removal of an elected President through democratic means must demonstrate that its commitment to constitutional governance extends beyond its campaign slogan.
This is not an accusation that TMG leaders organised the Abuja incident or sponsored attacks elsewhere. Such conclusions require evidence. Rather, it is a demand for responsible political leadership.
Those who mobilise supporters must consistently communicate the boundaries of acceptable conduct, discourage confrontation and cooperate with lawful investigations.
A clear public rejection of violence would strengthen the movement’s democratic credibility. It would also reassure Nigerians that its political objectives will be pursued through persuasion and the ballot rather than intimidation.
The same obligation applies to the ruling APC and every other political organisation. No party should condemn attacks against its members while excusing similar misconduct directed at opponents.
Political competition must never become a contest over which side can intimidate the other more effectively.
### TMS: Campaigning Through Evidence, Not Confrontation
The Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS), popularly known as Tinubu Must Stay, has adopted an approach centred on policy communication, grassroots engagement and public debate.
As National Youth Leader of TMS, I believe that political advocacy should be grounded in evidence, measurable achievements and constructive engagement rather than hostility towards opponents.
Our movement has highlighted reported interventions under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including ₦372.62 billion in interest-free student loan disbursements through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
We have also drawn attention to digital skills training for approximately 300,000 Nigerians under the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and tax reforms providing a zero-rate personal income tax band for annual taxable income up to ₦800,000.
Other indicators cited in our engagements include inflation easing to 14.63 per cent and the naira trading at approximately ₦1,331.77 to the United States dollar.
These figures are subjects for legitimate scrutiny. Economic statistics must be examined alongside their reporting periods, implementation outcomes and effects on household welfare. Supporting the administration should not require denying the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.
Indeed, the strongest defence of any government is not the volume of its publicity but the evidence that its policies are improving people’s lives.
TMS is also preparing a youth empowerment programme on artificial intelligence for business and entrepreneurship towards the end of November. Such initiatives reflect our belief that young Nigerians should acquire productive skills rather than become instruments of political confrontation.
We welcome debates about government performance, economic reforms, employment, education and security. Opposition movements should present alternative programmes and challenge the administration with facts.
That is the democratic competition Nigeria deserves.
Protect Worshippers, Punish Violence, Preserve Dissent
There are unverified suggestions that individuals may be planning similar confrontations during future presidential visits to mosques in Abuja.
Security agencies should investigate any credible intelligence concerning threats to worshippers or public officials. However, unsubstantiated claims must not become excuses for profiling opposition supporters or suppressing peaceful protests.
Religious institutions deserve protection from intimidation, particularly during an election period when political tensions can easily acquire ethnic or religious dimensions.
Any individual found responsible for throwing stones, destroying property or threatening public safety should face appropriate legal consequences, regardless of political affiliation.
Equally important, security personnel must distinguish peaceful dissent from criminal conduct.
Chanting “Tinubu Must Go” is not, by itself, a crime. Neither is chanting “Tinubu Must Stay.” Both expressions belong within the democratic space guaranteed to Nigerians.
The reported attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Calabar this month provides another reminder that political intimidation is unacceptable regardless of its target. Violence against an opposition leader deserves the same condemnation as violence against the President.
Nigeria’s Fourth Republic has endured significant political tensions since 1999. Its survival depends on protecting institutions, respecting political differences and ensuring that elections remain contests of ideas rather than physical confrontation.
The Presidency is an institution belonging to every Nigerian, regardless of who occupies it. Respect for that institution does not mean unquestioning loyalty to the incumbent, just as opposition to the President cannot justify threats to his safety.
Finally, I appeal directly to young Nigerians who are too often recruited as foot soldiers in political struggles.
Those who encourage confrontation rarely bear its consequences. A young person arrested for assault, vandalism or violence may face prosecution, imprisonment and a criminal record, while the political figures whose interests inspired the confrontation continue their careers.
Our generation deserves better than being used to settle the ambitions of political elites.
We should deploy our energy towards innovation, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and the peaceful contest of ideas. Nigeria needs young people who can interrogate policies, challenge leaders and organise communities without threatening lives or destroying property.
**My message to Tinubu Must Go, Tinubu Must Stay and every political movement is simple: Defend your convictions, challenge your opponents and mobilise your supporters, but reject violence without qualification.**
As 2027 approaches, Nigeria’s political future must be determined by arguments, credible programmes and the votes of citizens—not stones, intimidation or confrontations at places of worship.
Umar Farouk Bala is the National Youth Leader of the Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS).