President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to decisively curb political violence and ensure safe campaign environments for all parties. The order followed an incident in which residents stoned his convoy in Abuja. The directive is a response to a specific event. It also sets a tone for the 2027 campaign season.
The mechanics matter. A presidential convoy is one of the most protected movements in the country. If it can be stoned, the security architecture has gaps. The order asks agencies to protect all parties, not just the ruling party. That distinction matters. Opposition parties have complained for years that security is used against them, not for them.
This mirrors the 2019 and 2023 elections, when political thuggery and convoy attacks were reported across several states. It also echoes the 2011 post-election violence, when anger spilled into the streets after results were announced. The difference now is that the attack happened before campaigns formally began.
The winners are the presidency, which shows concern; opposition parties, if the protection is real; and security agencies, which gain a clear mandate. The losers are political thugs, who face more pressure; residents who may face tighter security around convoys; and the presidency, if the order is seen as selective.
Winners: The presidency; opposition parties if protection is real; security agencies.
Losers: Political thugs; residents facing tighter security; the presidency if seen as selective.
Bottom Line: Ordering security to protect all parties is easy. The test is whether opposition convoys get the same protection as the president’s.