President Bola Tinubu on Friday encountered a hostile reception at a mosque in Abuja, where some worshippers reportedly booed him and chanted “Tinubu Must Go” as his convoy departed after Jumat prayers.
The incident, which has sparked political reactions, occurred at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, shortly after the President observed the Friday congregational prayers.
Some people in the crowd were heard chanting “Ba ma yi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression translated as “We don’t want you; we don’t support you”.
Others reportedly shouted “Tinubu Must Go” as the presidential motorcade made its way out of the mosque.
The development comes amid growing political contestation ahead of the 2027 general election, with Tinubu expected to face opposition challenges from prominent politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The anger among some worshippers was reportedly triggered partly by the security arrangements surrounding the President’s visit.
Tinubu reportedly arrived at the mosque at about 1:49pm, by which time access to the premises had been restricted.
Security operatives allegedly prevented people from entering after the President arrived, while roads leading to the mosque were blocked.
Some security personnel also mounted the perimeter fences as part of the arrangements.
The restrictions reportedly continued after prayers, with some worshippers allegedly prevented from leaving until the President’s convoy departed.
The situation was said to have angered some people, who expressed their frustration through the chants against the President.
There were also reports that stones were thrown at the presidential convoy as it departed, although the allegation has been disputed by the Presidency.
Bayo Onanuga, the President’s media aide, reportedly dismissed the claim, saying it was not true.
Another presidential aide, O’tega Ogra, also released a video showing Tinubu waving at some people who appeared to be cheering him as he entered his official vehicle.
Ogra accused the opposition of pushing a misleading narrative and described those captured in the hostile videos as alleged paid thugs.
The competing accounts have fuelled debate over what actually happened outside the mosque, although the chants against the President have been reported by multiple news organisations.
During the Jumat service, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Rabiu Suleiman, preached on lessons from Surah Al-Fatihah and urged Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith.
He also prayed for Nigeria’s peace and progress, while asking Allah to grant Tinubu good health and wisdom to govern the country.
The cleric acknowledged the President’s contribution to the renovation of the historic mosque.
Tinubu was accompanied by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Special Adviser on Political Affairs Ibrahim Masari.
The mosque incident comes against the background of heightened political activities and controversies surrounding the 2027 election.
It also occurred on the same day Tinubu warned politicians and their supporters against political violence, insisting that campaigns should focus on issues affecting Nigerians and national development.
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