..Eyewitnesses blame Excessive Security Restrictions For Disrupting Jumat Prayers,Triggering Protest
…Aide Dismisses Opposition Claims As False, Releases Footage Of President Leaving Mosque
Daud Olatunji
President Bola Tinubu on Friday faced a wave of disapproval from some Muslim worshippers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Abuja, where aggrieved attendees reportedly chanted “Tinubu Must Go” and expressed opposition to his administration shortly after he observed Jumat prayers.
The incident, which has stirred political controversy, came amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with the Presidency subsequently releasing video footage of the President leaving the mosque in an apparent attempt to counter narratives circulating on social media.
Videos obtained by LEADERSHIP showed some individuals chanting slogans against Tinubu as his convoy departed the mosque.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the protest partly to what he described as excessive security restrictions imposed during the President’s visit.
According to the source, Tinubu arrived at the mosque at about 1:49 p.m., by which time access to the premises had reportedly been restricted.
The eyewitness alleged that security operatives prevented worshippers from entering the mosque after the President’s arrival, while roads leading to the facility were blocked.
He further claimed that some security personnel mounted the mosque’s perimeter fences as part of the security arrangements, while worshippers were allegedly prevented from leaving until the President’s departure.
The restrictions reportedly triggered anger among some attendees, who expressed their displeasure through chants.
Some were heard shouting “Ba mayi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression loosely translated as “We are not supporting you”, while others chanted “Tinubu Must Go”.
Another source at the mosque also blamed the incident on what was described as an excessive security presence, alleging that several worshippers were stranded outside the premises after being denied access.
The source said the protests began around the area where people had been barricaded.
However, the development took a political dimension after the Presidency moved to challenge videos and claims circulating online about the President’s appearance at the mosque.
The Senior Adviser to the President on Digital and New Media, Otega Ogra, released footage showing Tinubu leaving the mosque after observing the Friday congregational prayers.
Ogra, who shared the video on his X account on Friday, accused opposition supporters of circulating misleading narratives about the President’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his mosque visit.
Describing the footage as a fact-check, the presidential aide declared, “FACT CHECK: The opposition lied.”
He added, “Contrary to the narrative being pushed by the opposition, with videos of their alleged paid thugs at the Mosque today, here is footage of Mr. President leaving the mosque after Friday prayers this afternoon.”
Ogra accompanied the post with a message of support for the President and the country, saying, “God bless our President. God bless Nigeria.”
The Presidency’s response, however, centred on establishing that Tinubu attended the Jumat prayers and left the mosque, while the videos circulating online had drawn attention to alleged discontent among some worshippers over the security arrangements.
The two developments have fuelled debate over the incident, particularly whether the chants reflected broader political dissatisfaction or were primarily an expression of frustration over the restrictions imposed during the President’s visit.
Meanwhile, during the Jumat service, the Chief Imam of the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque, Area 1, Garki, Rabiu Suleiman, delivered a sermon focusing on lessons from Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran.
The Imam urged Muslims to uphold the oneness of Allah and seek steadfastness through Him.
He also prayed for peace and the President’s good health, asking Allah to grant Tinubu greater wisdom and guide him towards leading Nigeria to prosperity.
Suleiman equally acknowledged Tinubu’s contribution to the renovation of the historic mosque.
The President was accompanied to the mosque by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
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