Can Tinubu's security directive curb election violence while INEC faces scrutiny?

President Bola Tinubu on Friday directed security agencies to act firmly against political thuggery and authorised them to confront perpetrators with full force, in a statement issued through the State House. The directive followed reports of violence at political gatherings in different parts of the country.

Tinubu said campaigns should be about issues and a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of Nigerians, urging political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly. He reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful, free and fair elections and said his administration would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining public order during the electioneering period.

The directive signals the presidency is treating pre-election violence as a public-order threat rather than isolated clashes. Electoral violence has remained a recurring feature of Nigeria's political landscape, with attacks, intimidation, clashes between rival supporters and destruction of campaign materials often accompanying electioneering activities.

But the order lands amid existing pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission over its alleged failure to publish the voters register in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026 as amended. Opposition figures and civil society groups have claimed the commission is breaking the law. Section 19(1) of the Act requires the Commission to appoint a period of seven days for the publication of the voters register not later than 90 days to a general election.

The directive sets an expectation of state force against thuggery, but confidence in the electoral process is already contested before campaigns fully begin.