Rights group Condemns Police Blockade of ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Meeting in Kano
Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian police for blocking a planned “Tinubu Must Go” gathering in Kano, describing the action as a violation of the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
In a statement on Sunday, October 11, the human rights organisation said heavily armed police officers blocked both ends of the road leading to the event venue, preventing participants from accessing the location.
Amnesty urged the Nigeria Police Force to stop what it described as the reckless suppression of peaceful political activities, stressing that supporters of any political party or candidate have the right to assemble and express their views peacefully.
The condemnation followed reports that police officers prevented members of the movement from entering a privately booked event centre in Kano. Abba Hikima, a lawyer and one of the movement’s conveners, said the group intended to hold a peaceful meeting to discuss its opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Hikima also alleged that more than 10 mobile police vehicles were deployed around the venue. He said he had spoken with Kano State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori before the gathering and assured him that the meeting would be peaceful.
The police had not publicly explained the reason for blocking access to the venue at the time of reporting.
Amnesty said the incident reflected a troubling pattern of alleged police repression against opposition supporters in different parts of Nigeria, warning that repeated intimidation could undermine citizens’ ability to participate freely in political activities.
The incident adds to growing tensions surrounding opposition mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the “Tinubu Must Go” movement campaigning against the President’s administration and calling for his removal through the ballot box.
Nigeria’s Constitution protects freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, while the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights also recognises these fundamental freedoms.
Amnesty maintained that the police should facilitate peaceful political gatherings rather than obstruct them, regardless of the political views of the organisers.
