ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly faced a hostile reception from some worshippers and other members of the public on Friday, November 13, 2026, after attending Juma’at prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja.

The incident attracted widespread attention after videos circulated online showing sections of a crowd chanting slogans expressing opposition to the President as his convoy departed the mosque.

Among the reported chants was “Ba ma yi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression broadly translated as “We do not want you” or “We do not support you”. Some members of the crowd were also reported to have shouted “Tinubu Must Go”.

According to a report by Premium Times, eyewitnesses attributed the reaction partly to security arrangements surrounding the President’s visit.

One eyewitness told the newspaper that access to the mosque had been restricted after Tinubu arrived, preventing some worshippers from entering the premises.

The source also alleged that people were prevented from leaving until the President’s convoy departed.

These restrictions reportedly caused frustration among some worshippers, contributing to the angry reaction witnessed outside the mosque.

While some media reports and videos circulating on social media alleged that stones were thrown at the presidential convoy, the claim has been disputed by the Presidency.

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s media aide, reportedly dismissed the allegation when contacted by Peoples Gazette, describing it as untrue.

Another presidential aide, O’tega Ogra, also released footage showing Tinubu leaving the mosque, with some people appearing to cheer and wave at him.

Ogra challenged what he described as the opposition’s narrative surrounding the incident.

The competing accounts have created different interpretations of what happened during the President’s departure.

Although the hostile chants were documented by several news organisations, the allegation that the convoy was stoned has not been independently established beyond dispute.

The incident comes at a time when political activities and competition are gaining momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

President Tinubu is expected to face opposition from several political figures and parties seeking to challenge his administration and electoral ambitions.

The reported protest has consequently generated conversations about public dissatisfaction, political communication and the relationship between elected leaders and ordinary citizens.

For many Nigerians, economic conditions, security challenges, employment opportunities and the cost of living remain important issues in assessing the performance of the federal government.

However, the reaction of a section of people at one public gathering should not automatically be interpreted as the opinion of the entire country.

The circumstances surrounding the mosque visit also raise questions about how security arrangements for presidential movements can be managed without unnecessarily inconveniencing ordinary worshippers.

The President attended Friday congregational prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Abuja before departing with his security convoy.

Reports published by Premium Times and other Nigerian media organisations confirmed that some people expressed opposition through chants as the convoy left.

However, accounts concerning the alleged throwing of stones remain contested, with presidential aides rejecting the claim.

As Nigeria approaches another election season, incidents involving public reactions to political leaders are likely to attract considerable attention.

The development also highlights the importance of responsible reporting, particularly when viral videos and politically sensitive claims circulate online.

Utelnova will continue to follow developments surrounding the incident and bring readers verified updates as more information becomes available.

Source: Premium Times, Peoples Gazette and TheCable.