President Bola Tinubu faced a hostile reception from some worshippers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, on Friday, November 13, 2026, as videos emerged showing youths chanting against him following Juma’at prayers.
The incident attracted widespread attention after footage circulated on social media showing sections of the crowd expressing their displeasure as the President’s convoy departed the mosque.
Some individuals were heard chanting “Ba ma yi, ba ma so,” a Hausa expression meaning “We don’t want you; we don’t support you.”
Others reportedly shouted “Tinubu Must Go,” reflecting opposition to the President.
However, controversy emerged after claims surfaced that some youths had thrown stones at the presidential convoy, prompting a public response from the Presidency.
Why Worshippers Booed Tinubu
According to Premium Times, eyewitnesses who attended the Friday prayers attributed the hostile reaction partly to security restrictions imposed during the President’s visit.
One eyewitness, who requested anonymity, disclosed that Tinubu arrived at the mosque at approximately 1:49 p.m., after security operatives had restricted access to the premises.
The source explained that worshippers arriving after the President were prevented from entering, while several roads leading to the mosque were blocked.
Security personnel were also reportedly positioned along the mosque’s perimeter fences as part of arrangements for the presidential visit.
The restrictions allegedly continued after the prayers, with some worshippers prevented from leaving until the President had departed.
Another witness said several people became frustrated after being stranded outside the mosque.
According to the eyewitness accounts, the booing began around the area where worshippers had been held behind security barricades.
Although the restrictions were cited as a possible trigger, it has not been independently established that everyone who participated in the chanting was protesting the security arrangements.
Viral Video Sparks Stoning Allegations
The incident sparked widespread reactions after videos circulated on social media, raising questions about what happened during President Tinubu’s departure from the mosque.
Watch the viral video of the Abuja mosque incident
The controversy intensified when former senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dino Melaye shared a video on social media.
The footage was presented as showing some youths throwing stones towards a convoy believed to belong to President Tinubu.
The video quickly gained attention, with social media users debating whether the presidential motorcade had come under attack.
However, the identity of the vehicles allegedly targeted and whether any stones struck the convoy have not been independently established.
The claims prompted differing accounts of what happened outside the mosque.
Presidency Rejects Attack Claims
Reacting to the allegations, O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, dismissed reports suggesting that Tinubu’s convoy had been attacked.
In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, Ogra accused opposition figures of circulating misleading footage to create a false impression of the President’s departure.
He shared a separate video showing Tinubu leaving the mosque in a white traditional outfit and his signature black cap.
The footage showed the President acknowledging supporters who cheered, waved and took photographs as he approached his official vehicle.
Ogra alleged that the opposition was promoting footage involving individuals he described as paid thugs.
The allegation against the opposition has not been independently substantiated.
Although the video released by Ogra showed a peaceful moment during the President’s departure, it did not establish everything that occurred around the mosque.
The differing accounts have left questions about the alleged stone-throwing unresolved.
Tinubu Attends Prayers at Renovated Mosque
The President’s visit followed the completion of renovation work at the historic Shehu Shagari Central Mosque, regarded as Abuja’s first central mosque.
During the service, the Chief Imam, Malam Rabiu Suleiman, delivered a sermon based on Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Holy Quran.
The cleric encouraged worshippers to remain steadfast in their faith and seek divine guidance in their daily activities.
He also offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and development, while asking for wisdom, strength and good health for President Tinubu.
The Imam acknowledged the President’s contribution towards the mosque’s renovation.
Tinubu was accompanied by several senior government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Special Adviser on Political Affairs Ibrahim Masari and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Incident Comes Amid Political Tensions
The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
On the same Friday, Tinubu issued a statement warning politicians and their supporters against political violence and intimidation.
The President directed security agencies to confront political thuggery and other activities capable of undermining the country’s democratic process.
He also urged political actors to concentrate on policies and programmes that would improve Nigerians’ welfare rather than resorting to violence.
There is no established evidence that the directive was issued specifically in response to the mosque incident.
Meanwhile, the videos from Abuja continue to generate debate over the events surrounding the President’s departure.
While eyewitness reports and circulating footage support accounts that some worshippers booed Tinubu, allegations that his convoy was struck by stones remain disputed.
The Presidency maintains that the President left the mosque without the alleged attack.
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