President Bola Tinubu faced protests from some worshippers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Abuja on Friday as his convoy departed the premises shortly after the Juma’at prayers.
Videos of the incident showed some individuals chanting slogans expressing disapproval of the President, including calls of “Tinubu Must Go” and a Hausa expression translated as “We do not support you.”
The incident reportedly followed restrictions imposed on worshippers and other visitors by security operatives during the President’s visit to the mosque.
According to eyewitness accounts cited by PREMIUM TIMES, Tinubu arrived at the mosque at approximately 1:49 p.m., by which time access to the premises had already been restricted.
Security personnel reportedly prevented people from entering the mosque, while roads leading to the facility were blocked as part of arrangements for the presidential visit.
Some security operatives were also said to have mounted the perimeter fences around the mosque.
The restrictions reportedly continued after the prayers, with worshippers allegedly prevented from leaving until the President’s convoy departed.
An eyewitness said the restrictions generated frustration among some worshippers, who expressed their displeasure through chants as the presidential convoy was leaving.
“People were stopped from entering the mosque after the president had entered. Several people were stuck outside,” one source said.
Another source attributed the protest partly to what was described as excessive security arrangements, particularly the restrictions placed on worshippers who had come to observe the Friday prayers.
During the service, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Rabiu Suleiman, delivered a sermon centred on lessons from Surah Al-Fatihah, the first chapter of the Quran.
He urged Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith and seek guidance from Allah.
The cleric also prayed for the President’s good health and wisdom, asking Allah to guide him towards leading Nigeria to prosperity.
Suleiman further acknowledged Tinubu’s contributions to the renovation of the historic mosque.
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 increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and growing opposition mobilisation against the President’s re-election bid.
