President Bola Tinubu was booed by some angry worshippers and residents at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, on Friday, November 14, 2026. The incident occurred as the President's convoy prepared to leave the mosque after observing Friday prayers. Several people were heard chanting slogans expressing opposition to his administration, including "Tinubu Must Go", a slogan associated with opposition to the President's re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to eyewitnesses, the protest might have been triggered by restrictions imposed on worshippers because of Tinubu's visit. The President arrived at the mosque at about 1:49pm, by which time access to the premises had already been restricted. Security operatives prevented people from entering the mosque after the President arrived, while roads leading to the premises were blocked. Some security personnel were also stationed on the mosque's perimeter fences as part of the security arrangements.
The restrictions allegedly continued after the prayers, with worshippers prevented from leaving until the President's departure. An eyewitness who attended the prayers said some of those affected expressed their frustration through chants directed at Tinubu as his convoy prepared to leave. The eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said the booing started from the area where people had been barricaded, suggesting that the restrictions contributed to the frustration among worshippers.
Another source at the mosque attributed the reaction partly to what was described as excessive security arrangements. “People were stopped from entering the mosque after the president had entered. Several people were stuck outside,” the source said. The source added that the restrictions led to frustration among worshippers, who then chanted slogans against the President.
During the prayer session, the Chief Imam of the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque, Rabiu Suleiman, delivered a sermon centred on lessons from Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran. The cleric urged Muslims to uphold the oneness of Allah and seek steadfastness through Him. He also offered prayers for the President's health and the peace of the country, asking Allah to grant Tinubu greater wisdom and guide him towards leading Nigeria to prosperity.
President Tinubu was accompanied by National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje. The incident comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and renewed debate over public dissatisfaction, presidential security arrangements and the reception of political leaders by ordinary Nigerians.
The incident has sparked concerns about the level of public dissatisfaction with the President's administration and the impact of security arrangements on public events. The 2027 general elections are expected to be a crucial test of the President's popularity and the government's ability to address the country's challenges. The incident at the mosque has highlighted the need for the government to engage with the public and address their concerns.
Key points
- President Tinubu was booed by some worshippers and residents at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Abuja, Nigeria, on Friday, November 14, 2026.
- The incident was reportedly triggered by restrictions imposed on worshippers because of Tinubu's visit.
- The incident has sparked concerns about the level of public dissatisfaction with the President's administration and the impact of security arrangements on public events.
