Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, O’tega Ogra, has dismissed reports claiming that the President’s convoy came under attack by youths shortly after he attended Friday prayers in Abuja.
Ogra described the reports as misleading, arguing that a video circulating on social media did not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding Tinubu’s departure from the Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The President had visited the mosque on Friday to observe the Juma’at prayer. However, shortly after his departure, reports emerged alleging that some youths confronted his convoy, triggering widespread reactions among political stakeholders and supporters.
The initial reports claimed that protesters gathered along the route of the presidential convoy and shouted “Ba ma yi” as the vehicles drove away from the mosque.
The allegations gained further attention after a video surfaced online showing some youths allegedly throwing objects at a convoy believed to be carrying the President. The footage attracted considerable engagement on social media, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Former Kogi West Senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dino Melaye, also circulated a video purportedly showing the confrontation. In the footage, some individuals could be seen throwing stones towards vehicles travelling along the road, while others chanted “Ba ma yi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression meaning “we don’t want you; we don’t support you”.
The video sparked discussions about the level of public reception Tinubu received following the prayers, with some interpreting the scenes as an expression of dissatisfaction with his administration.
However, Ogra subsequently challenged that interpretation, sharing a separate video which he said showed what happened as the President left the mosque. The presidential aide questioned the account being promoted by opposition figures and insisted that the footage offered a different perspective on the incident.
In the video shared by Ogra, Tinubu was seen wearing a white outfit and a black cap bearing his traditional insignia as he walked towards his official vehicle. Several youths surrounded the President, with some enthusiastically hailing him while others used their mobile phones to capture the moment.
The President appeared relaxed throughout the interaction and was seen waving at the crowd before getting into his vehicle.
Accompanying the footage with a statement, Ogra wrote: “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,”
The presidential aide’s intervention appeared intended to counter claims that Tinubu encountered hostility from youths during his departure from the mosque. His post also added another layer to the controversy, as the two videos presented seemingly contrasting accounts of the events surrounding the President’s movement after the prayers.
While the footage shared by Melaye showed individuals throwing objects towards a convoy believed to be associated with Tinubu, the video released by Ogra depicted the President receiving cheers from some members of the crowd as he approached his official vehicle.
Meanwhile, the controversy emerged on the same day Tinubu cautioned politicians and their supporters against engaging in political violence as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement personally signed on Friday, the President expressed concern over reported cases of violence at political gatherings in different parts of the country, warning against the use of political activities as a platform for intimidation, physical attacks and destruction of property.
Tinubu stressed that political participation must remain peaceful, noting that Nigerians should be able to express their political preferences and opinions without facing threats or intimidation.
He disclosed that security agencies had been empowered to take decisive action against thuggery and other unlawful activities capable of threatening the country’s democratic process.
The President also cautioned political leaders against inciting violence or encouraging supporters to engage in acts capable of disrupting public peace. He maintained that the 2027 election period must not degenerate into widespread political unrest.
Furthermore, Tinubu urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to prioritise issues affecting citizens instead of resorting to confrontations and acts of aggression.
According to him, political campaigns should serve as platforms for candidates to communicate their policies, outline their programmes and present practical solutions to the country’s development challenges.
His remarks came amid reports of clashes and other violent incidents linked to political activities and gatherings in various parts of the country.
