By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly encountered a hostile reception on Friday after some residents threw stones and other objects at his convoy and chanted “Bamayi” following Jumat prayers at the renovated Shagari Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on November 13, 2026, shortly after the President attended the Friday congregational prayers, has generated widespread reactions following the circulation of videos showing the reported confrontation on social media.
According to reports, the atmosphere reportedly changed after the prayers as some individuals gathered around the mosque and began expressing their displeasure while the presidential convoy prepared to leave the premises.
The crowd was heard chanting “Bamayi”, a Hausa expression commonly translated as “We don’t want you” or “We will not support you”. Some individuals were also reportedly seen throwing stones and other objects towards the departing convoy.
President Tinubu had attended the Jumat service at the renovated mosque, where the Chief Imam, Rabiu Suleiman, reportedly delivered a sermon centred on faith, trust in God and peaceful coexistence. The cleric also prayed for Nigeria and asked God to grant the President wisdom in governing the country.
However, the reported confrontation shortly after the religious gathering has shifted attention to the President’s public reception in the Federal Capital Territory.
The development is particularly significant against the backdrop of growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and increasing public conversations about economic hardship, governance and political accountability.
The expression “Bamayi” has recently become a prominent feature of political reactions in Northern Nigeria. On October 24, a similar rejection chant was reported during the APC’s 2027 presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State, where sections of the crowd were heard chanting the expression as Tinubu’s campaign convoy approached the venue.
The Kaduna incident generated considerable political debate, particularly after Daily Trust Regional Editor, Yushau Adamu, discussed the crowd’s reaction during an appearance on Trust TV.
The latest Abuja development raises further questions about public sentiment towards the Tinubu administration as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the next presidential election.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system. While the government has defended the policies as necessary for long-term economic recovery, many Nigerians continue to express concerns about rising living costs, transportation expenses and declining household purchasing power.
Nevertheless, the reaction of a section of the crowd should not automatically be interpreted as the position of the entire Abuja population or the Northern electorate.
The throwing of objects at a presidential convoy also raises security concerns, irrespective of the political grievances behind the demonstration.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of those involved, the extent of any damage and whether any arrests were made had not been independently established. An official response from the Presidency or the FCT Police Command was also not available in the reports reviewed.
The incident adds another politically sensitive moment to Tinubu’s public engagements as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, with public reactions increasingly placing governance, economic conditions and political legitimacy under scrutiny.
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