President Bola Tinubu was on Friday booed by some worshippers and other aggrieved Nigerians shortly after observing Juma’at prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Abuja.
Several video clips obtained by DAILY GAZETTE showed people chanting anti-government slogans as the President’s convoy departed the mosque.
An eyewitness who spoke to the newspaper attributed the incident partly to the security restrictions imposed ahead of Tinubu’s arrival, which reportedly prevented some worshippers from accessing the mosque.
According to the eyewitness, Tinubu arrived at the mosque at about 1:49 p.m., after which security operatives restricted entry into the premises.
Roads leading to the mosque were also reportedly blocked, while security personnel mounted the perimeter fences as part of arrangements for the President’s visit.
The restrictions allegedly continued after the prayers, with some worshippers prevented from leaving until the presidential convoy departed.
The situation reportedly angered some of those affected, prompting them to express their displeasure through chants directed at the President.
Some were heard chanting “Ba mayi, ba ma so,” a Hausa expression loosely translated as “We are not supporting you,” while others shouted, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Another source at the mosque also blamed the incident partly on what was described as excessive security measures, saying worshippers were inconvenienced by the restrictions.
The incident comes amid growing political activities and opposition mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga did not respond to calls seeking comments on the development as of the time the report was filed.
During the Friday service, the Chief Imam of the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque, Area 1, Garki, 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 good health, greater wisdom and divine guidance in leading Nigeria towards 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; Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
