President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faced protest chants from some worshippers during his visit to the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The incident, which has attracted public attention, occurred shortly after the President attended Juma’at prayers at the mosque. Videos circulating on social media showed some individuals chanting slogans against him as his convoy prepared to leave the premises.
According to a report by PREMIUM TIMEs some worshippers expressed dissatisfaction over security arrangements during the President’s visit. An eyewitness told the newspaper that access to the mosque had reportedly been restricted, leaving some people unable to enter or leave freely. Among the chants reportedly heard was “Ba ma yi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression meaning “We don’t want you.” Some individuals were also heard chanting “Tinubu Must Go.”
Presidency Reacts to Reports of Attack Following the circulation of videos from the incident, the Presidency dismissed claims that youths had stoned the President’s convoy.
O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, challenged the reports and shared alternative footage showing the President leaving the mosque. The Presidency maintained that claims of a physical attack on the convoy were misleading. Although the protest chants were reported by multiple news outlets, claims that stones were thrown at the convoy have not been independently established.
Public Reactions and Questions Over Security Arrangements
The incident has renewed conversations about the relationship between public officials and citizens, particularly during visits that require extensive security arrangements. While protecting the President is a legitimate security responsibility, the experience of ordinary citizens should also be considered. Worshippers attending religious services should not unnecessarily face restrictions that prevent them from accessing or leaving their places of worship.The development also highlights the importance of allowing citizens to express dissatisfaction peacefully, without intimidation or violence. With Nigeria approaching another election cycle, public reactions to political leaders remain an important part of democratic participation.
However, one incident should not be taken as a representation of the views of the entire population. As different accounts of the incident continue to circulate, the distinction between documented protest chants and unverified claims of a physical attack remains important.
