TMS Demands Protection for Opposition Rallies, Journalists Ahead of 2027

The Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS), popularly known as Tinubu Must Stay, has urged security agencies to protect opposition rallies, political gatherings and journalists ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The foundation also backed President Bola Tinubu’s directive against political thuggery, warning political parties and their supporters against violence, intimidation and inflammatory statements.

Its Director-General, Marcel Ngogbehei, said the President’s position against political violence would help safeguard democratic freedoms and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

He expressed concern over reported attacks on political gatherings and the alleged incident involving the President’s convoy after Friday prayers at a mosque in Abuja on November 13.

Ngogbehei described attacks on political leaders, disruption of religious activities and threats to worshippers as unacceptable, irrespective of the grievances behind them.

However, he called for credible investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported incident, cautioning against treating allegations that objects were thrown at the presidential convoy as established facts.

“Democracy thrives on persuasion, not coercion, and no political ambition is worth the blood of an innocent Nigerian,” he said.

The TMS director-general urged security agencies to strengthen protection for political leaders, opposition figures, journalists and ordinary citizens.

According to him, preliminary monitoring by the foundation identified at least 22 suspected incidents of political violence across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory since presidential campaigns began on August 19, 2026.

He said 14 of the reported incidents occurred between October 28 and November 12, suggesting an increase in politically related security threats.

The foundation, however, acknowledged that the figures remained preliminary and required independent verification.

Ngogbehei warned politicians against using reported attacks to score partisan points or blaming the President, Federal Government or opposition parties before investigations established responsibility.

“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 stated.

He urged political leaders to calm tensions, discourage retaliation and cooperate with security agencies rather than make statements capable of escalating political disagreements.

The foundation called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to improve security arrangements around campaign offices, rallies, town hall meetings, processions and other lawful political activities.

It stressed that supporters of all political parties deserved equal protection, regardless of their political affiliations.

“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,” Ngogbehei said.

He also urged security agencies to investigate reported attacks impartially, provide timely information on arrests and prosecutions, and ensure that politically influential individuals did not escape accountability.

The movement advised political parties and campaign organisations to notify the police in writing before holding major gatherings.

Such notifications, it said, should include the venue, date, expected attendance and security requirements to enable threat assessments, crowd management and emergency planning.

However, Ngogbehei cautioned that the arrangement must not become a means of restricting constitutional rights or frustrating lawful opposition activities.

The foundation also raised concern over reported attacks, intimidation and harassment of journalists covering political events.

It insisted that media professionals must enjoy adequate protection while carrying out their duties, regardless of the political parties or candidates they cover.

“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,” he said.

Ngogbehei urged political parties to caution their supporters against assaulting journalists, destroying media equipment or interfering with legitimate news coverage.

He further warned against ethnic and religious incitement, misinformation and the mobilisation of thugs to disrupt political activities.

He called on party leaders to discipline supporters who threaten political opponents or encourage violence.

While reaffirming TMS’s support for Tinubu’s re-election, Ngogbehei said the pursuit of political continuity must rely on peaceful mobilisation, persuasion and respect for democratic institutions.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Peace Committee, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, traditional rulers and religious leaders to intensify efforts to prevent electoral violence.

He maintained that credible elections required more than transparent voting procedures, stressing that Nigerians must also enjoy the freedom to campaign, assemble and express political opinions 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,” he said.

The foundation reiterated its support for impartial law enforcement and credible investigations, insisting that political competition must not undermine Nigeria’s peace, unity and democratic stability.