Tinubu’s Aide Dismisses Reports of Attack on Presidential Convoy in Abuja

Presidential aide O’tega Ogra has dismissed reports that President Bola Tinubu’s convoy was attacked by youths after he attended Friday prayers at the Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Abuja.

Ogra, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, described videos circulating on social media as misleading and challenged claims that the President was targeted during the visit.

The controversy followed a video shared by African Democratic Congress chieftain Dino Melaye, which showed some youths throwing stones at a convoy believed to belong to the President.

Some of the youths were also heard chanting “Ba ma yi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression meaning “we don’t want you; we don’t support you”.

Presidency Releases Counter Video

Responding to the claims in a post on his X account on Friday, Ogra shared another video showing Tinubu leaving the mosque after observing the Juma’at prayer.

He said the footage contradicted the narrative being circulated by opposition figures and described the youths seen in the other video as alleged paid thugs.

“Contrary to the narrative being pushed by the opposition, with videos of their alleged paid thugs at the National Mosque today, here is footage of Mr President leaving the mosque after Friday prayers this afternoon,” Ogra wrote.

The video showed Tinubu dressed in a white outfit and a black cap bearing his traditional insignia, acknowledging supporters who waved and took photographs as he approached his official vehicle.

The conflicting accounts have generated reactions on social media, with the Presidency disputing suggestions that the President came under attack during the mosque visit.

Tinubu Warns Against Political Violence

The controversy comes amid growing concerns about political violence as preparations gradually gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement personally signed on Friday, Tinubu cautioned politicians and their supporters against violence, warning that security agencies had been empowered to act decisively against thuggery and other anti-democratic activities.

The President also condemned reported incidents of violence at political gatherings across the country and urged political actors to conduct their activities peacefully.

He maintained that political campaigns should focus on issues that can improve the welfare of Nigerians and advance national development, stressing that violence has no place in the democratic process.

Punch Newspapers