SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Former presidential aide and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of political violence in Nigeria, warning that rising public anger and intolerance could push the country towards a dangerous national crisis.
Ojudu’s reaction followed reports of an alleged attack on President Bola Tinubu’s convoy in Abuja and an attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a political gathering in Lagos.
Reports emerged on Friday that some worshippers allegedly threw stones at Tinubu’s convoy as the president departed the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Abuja after Friday prayers. Videos circulating online showed some youths booing the president and chanting slogans as his convoy left the premises.
However, the presidency dismissed reports that the convoy was attacked, creating conflicting accounts of what actually happened.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ojudu called for a transparent investigation into the incident, arguing that the circulating footage should not be ignored, even as the Presidency disputes claims of stone-throwing.
Describing the situation as a reflection of Nigeria’s worsening political atmosphere, the former senator said the country was experiencing a dangerous combination of economic hardship, insecurity, and growing frustration among citizens.
“Nigeria is bleeding,” he declared, warning that political disagreements were increasingly turning into hostility, intimidation, and attacks.
Ojudu also condemned the reported attack on NDC supporters in Lagos, stressing that citizens must be free to participate in political activities without fear of harassment or violence.
His intervention carries an important message beyond the immediate controversy surrounding the president’s convoy. It highlights a troubling contradiction in Nigeria’s democracy: while political leaders frequently preach tolerance and national unity, political disagreements are increasingly accompanied by threats, intimidation, and physical confrontations.
Ojudu maintained that Nigerians have every constitutional right to criticize Tinubu, reject his administration’s policies, and campaign against his re-election. However, he stressed that peaceful opposition must never become an excuse for violence.
He equally warned that support for a political party does not give anyone the right to attack people who hold opposing views.
“The president must be safe among the people he governs. The people must be safe when they disagree with him,” he said.
Ultimately, the challenge facing Nigeria is bigger than determining whether stones were thrown at a presidential convoy. It is about protecting the democratic space where citizens can express dissatisfaction, support opposing political movements, and hold those in power accountable without fearing violence.
As political tensions rise, Ojudu’s warning serves as a reminder that democracy cannot survive where intimidation replaces debate and political loyalty becomes more important than the safety of citizens.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
