Worshippers shout “Ba maiyi”, “We won’t support you”, as Tinubu prays at Shehu Shagari Juma’at Mosque in Abuja
By OUR REPORTER
The development was said to have angered some people, who expressed their frustration through chants, including “Ba mayi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression loosely translated as “We are not supporting you”. Others reportedly chanted “Tinubu Must Go”, a slogan associated with opposition to the President’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reportedly booed by some youths and worshippers on Friday after observing Juma’at prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, amid chants of “Tinubu Must Go”.
The incident occurred on November 13, 2026, as the President’s convoy departed the mosque, with videos circulating on social media showing groups of people chanting slogans expressing displeasure with his administration.
According to a report by Premium Times, some worshippers attributed the incident to what they described as excessive security restrictions imposed during the President’s visit, which allegedly left several people stranded.
A witness, who requested anonymity, said Tinubu arrived at the mosque at about 1:49 p.m., by which time security operatives had restricted access to the premises and blocked roads leading to the mosque.
The witness alleged that security personnel prevented people from entering the mosque after the President’s arrival, while some operatives were stationed on the perimeter fences as part of the security arrangements.
The restrictions reportedly continued after the prayers, with worshippers allegedly prevented from leaving the premises until the President’s departure.
The development was said to have angered some people, who expressed their frustration through chants, including “Ba mayi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression loosely translated as “We are not supporting you”.
Others reportedly chanted “Tinubu Must Go”, a slogan associated with opposition to the President’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
Another source at the mosque reportedly described the security arrangements as excessive, claiming that some worshippers were stranded outside after being denied access to the premises.
The source further alleged that the booing started around the area where people had been barricaded.
Imam Prays for Tinubu, Acknowledges Mosque Renovation
During the Juma’at service, the Chief Imam of the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque, Area 1, Garki, Rabiu Suleiman, delivered a sermon focusing on lessons from Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Holy Quran.
The Imam urged Muslims to uphold the oneness of Allah and remain steadfast in their faith.
He also offered prayers for peace, the President’s good health and divine wisdom to lead Nigeria towards prosperity.
Suleiman equally acknowledged Tinubu’s contributions to the renovation of the 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.
Political Tensions Ahead of 2027
The incident comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Tinubu expected to face opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Efforts to obtain a response from the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, were reportedly unsuccessful as of the time Premium Times published its report.
The development has drawn attention because of the reported public display of disapproval during the President’s religious outing, particularly against the backdrop of growing political contestation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
During the build-up to the 2023 general elections, Tinubu, then a presidential candidate, had attended Friday prayers at several mosques in Abuja, including Berger Mosque, Shehu Shagari Central Mosque and the National Mosque.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON VIDEO
