Some worshippers and residents reportedly chanted protest slogans against President Bola Tinubu as his convoy prepared to leave the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, after Friday prayers.
The incident occurred on Friday, November 14, shortly after the President attended prayers at the mosque.
According to reports, some members of the crowd chanted “Ba mayi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression meaning “We don’t want you; we don’t support you”. Others reportedly shouted, “Tinubu Must Go”.
An eyewitness attributed the reaction partly to restrictions imposed on worshippers because of the President’s visit.
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The source said Tinubu arrived at the mosque at about 1:49pm, by which time security operatives had restricted access to the premises and blocked roads leading to the mosque.
Some worshippers were reportedly prevented from entering the mosque after the President’s arrival, while security personnel were stationed around the premises, including the perimeter fences.
The restrictions allegedly continued after the prayers, with some worshippers unable to leave until the President’s convoy departed.
Another source said the protest chants started around the area where some people had been prevented from moving freely, adding that the security arrangements contributed to their frustration.
During the prayer session, the Chief Imam of the 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 remain steadfast in their faith.
He also prayed for the President’s health and the peace of Nigeria, asking Allah to grant Tinubu wisdom and guide him towards leading the country to prosperity.
The President was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; 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 discussions about public dissatisfaction with the administration.
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