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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on chairmen of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas to take a firm stand against thuggery, intimidation, hate speech and political violence as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu made the call on Tuesday at the maiden Annual National Conference of the 774 Local Government Council Chairmen in Abuja, where he charged the council leaders to ensure that their communities remain peaceful and that citizens are able to participate in the electoral process without fear. The conference, themed “Cascading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the Grassroots,” is focused broadly on strengthening governance and development at the local level.
With political activities already gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the President said local government chairmen have an important role to play in maintaining peace within their respective communities. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains constitutionally responsible for conducting elections, Tinubu said grassroots leaders cannot afford to stand aside when tensions begin to rise in their communities.
He urged the chairmen to adopt what he described as a zero-tolerance approach to thuggery, intimidation, hate speech and violence, particularly as political campaigns and mobilisation intensify. He also warned against the recruitment of young people into violent activities, stressing the need for local leaders to work with communities and security agencies to prevent tensions from escalating into crises.
The President specifically asked local government leaders to “douse tensions” and support lawful security coordination while respecting the right of citizens to freely make their political choices. In practical terms, the message places responsibility on grassroots authorities to create an atmosphere where supporters of different political parties can participate in political activities without intimidation or fear.
Tinubu’s comments come at a significant point in Nigeria’s political calendar. The 2027 general elections are approaching, and political parties, candidates and supporters have already begun stepping up their activities across the country. Recent political developments have also brought renewed attention to election-related security, with concerns about intimidation and violence forming part of the wider national conversation surrounding the coming polls.
Earlier in September, the President also stressed the importance of protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials as preparations for the 2027 elections continue. In an address delivered on his behalf by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at a police conference in Owerri, Tinubu said electoral security should go beyond protecting polling stations and ballot papers to include creating a safe environment for citizens, political parties and candidates.
The emphasis on local government leadership is particularly important because elections are ultimately experienced at the grassroots. From wards and polling units to villages and urban communities, local political tensions can quickly affect voters’ ability to move freely, attend campaign events or cast their ballots.
Beyond elections, Tinubu also used the conference to remind local government chairmen that the autonomy granted to councils comes with significant responsibilities. He referenced the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024 judgment on local government financial autonomy and said the autonomy should be treated as an instrument for delivering services rather than simply as greater control over public funds.
He urged the council chairmen to make the impact of government visible in areas such as primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, water supply, food production, small businesses and opportunities for young people and women. According to the President, the success of government should ultimately be measured by what changes in communities rather than by what is announced from Abuja.
Tinubu also encouraged the chairmen to strengthen cooperation with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, community associations and lawful security agencies. Such collaboration, he said, could help local authorities identify grievances early and address them before they develop into larger security problems.
The President’s appeal also places attention on the role of young Nigerians during the election period. Political campaigns often rely heavily on young people for mobilisation, but Tinubu cautioned local leaders against allowing youths to be drawn into violence or substance abuse under the guise of political activity. His call was for young people to participate in the democratic process peacefully rather than become instruments of political confrontation.
For the 2027 elections, the broader question will be whether political actors at every level can translate calls for peaceful participation into conduct on the ground. Political parties and candidates have the responsibility to campaign peacefully, while government authorities and security agencies are expected to protect citizens and enforce the law impartially.
For voters, the fundamental issue remains straightforward: Nigerians should be able to choose their preferred candidates without threats, intimidation or violence. Tinubu’s latest directive to the 774 local government chairmen therefore places grassroots peace and the protection of citizens’ electoral rights firmly on the agenda as the country heads toward another major election cycle.
