President Bola Tinubu has faced an unusual public reception after some worshippers reportedly chanted rejection slogans as his convoy departed the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Abuja, on Friday, November 13.
The President had attended Juma’at prayers at the mosque when videos of the incident began circulating online. Some people in the crowd were heard chanting slogans against him, including “Ba ma yi, ba ma so” and “Tinubu Must Go”.
According to eyewitnesses quoted by Premium Times, the protest may have been triggered by security arrangements that restricted access to the mosque and prevented some worshippers from entering or leaving freely while the President was there.
The Presidency, however, pushed back against claims that Tinubu’s convoy was attacked with stones. Presidential aide O’tega Ogra released another video showing Tinubu leaving the mosque and waving at people who appeared to be cheering him.
The distinction is important. While the hostile chanting was reported by multiple news organisations, the allegation that the convoy was stoned remains disputed. An independent fact-check published on November 14 said it found no verified evidence establishing that the President’s convoy was physically attacked.
The incident comes at a politically sensitive moment, with the 2027 presidential campaign already underway and public reactions to the administration’s policies remaining a major issue.
The episode also raises questions about how presidential security arrangements affect ordinary citizens, particularly during public religious gatherings.
