Amnesty International has condemned the alleged blocking of a venue for a “Tinubu Must Go” gathering in Kano State, accusing the Nigeria Police Force of violating citizens’ fundamental rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and political expression.
The human rights organisation said heavily armed police officers blocked both ends of the road leading to the venue on Sunday, October 11, 2026, preventing members of the movement from accessing the location for their planned meeting.
In a statement posted on its X social media handle, Amnesty described the action as unlawful and outrageous, urging the police to desist from what it called reckless violations of human rights.
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The organisation maintained that supporters of all political parties, candidates and political movements have the right to organise and participate in peaceful political activities, regardless of their political affiliations or positions on the government.
According to Amnesty, the responsibility of the police is to facilitate peaceful political gatherings and protect the rights of participants rather than obstruct their activities.
It stressed that freedom of association and peaceful assembly should not be treated as privileges reserved for members or supporters of any particular political party.
The incident followed complaints by Abba Hikima, a lawyer and one of the conveners of the “Tinubu Must Go” movement, who alleged that police officers prevented members from entering a privately hired venue they had paid to use for the meeting.
Hikima said approximately 10 mobile police vehicles were deployed around the event centre.
He maintained that the gathering was intended to allow members to exchange ideas and discuss their opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also disclosed that Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, had contacted him before the meeting and advised that the police should have been informed about the gathering. Hikima said he assured the commissioner that the meeting would be peaceful and held in an enclosed venue.
Amnesty further described the Kano incident as part of what it considers a troubling pattern of police actions targeting opposition supporters in different parts of the country.
The organisation warned that repeated incidents of alleged intimidation and obstruction could undermine citizens’ ability to associate freely, express political opinions and hold peaceful public gatherings.
The controversy comes amid wider debates over the handling of political dissent and protests in Nigeria, particularly activities organised by groups opposing the Federal Government.
As of the time of filing this report, no official explanation from the Kano State Police Command regarding the blockade had been established in the reports reviewed.
The incident has renewed calls for security agencies to uphold constitutional rights and ensure that peaceful political activities are facilitated without discrimination.
Global Tracker will continue to monitor developments and report any response from the police or further action by the movement.