Amnesty International has condemned the alleged blockade of a venue in Kano State by heavily armed police officers, preventing supporters of the ‘Tinubu Must Go’ movement from accessing the location of their planned political meeting.
The international human rights organisation described the incident as “unlawful and outrageous,” warning that it could constitute a violation of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Amnesty International called on the Nigeria Police Force to stop what it described as violations of fundamental human rights and ensure that citizens can participate in peaceful political activities without intimidation or unnecessary restrictions.
The condemnation followed allegations by an organiser of the movement that more than 10 mobile police vehicles had been deployed to block access to a privately rented venue where members planned to gather.
According to the organiser, the meeting was intended to be peaceful, and the group had paid for the facility. He also alleged that Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, had contacted him a day earlier regarding the planned gathering.
The organiser maintained that the group was exercising its constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. He also called on the Inspector-General of Police to explain the alleged deployment.
Amnesty International stressed that supporters of all political parties and candidates have the right to organise peaceful political activities, regardless of whether they support or oppose the government.
The organisation argued that the responsibility of the police is to protect and facilitate peaceful gatherings rather than obstruct citizens from exercising their fundamental rights.
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It further warned that the Kano incident could reflect a broader pattern of alleged police repression against opposition supporters in different parts of the country.
According to the organisation, repeated arrests, intimidation and disruption of political activities could create an atmosphere of fear and discourage citizens from participating freely in the democratic process.
The development comes amid increasing political mobilisation and tension ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with growing concerns over the treatment of government critics and opposition supporters.
The ‘Tinubu Must Go’ slogan has gained attention among critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly over concerns about economic hardship, insecurity and governance.
The Kano incident also follows a separate controversy in Borno State, where five men were reportedly arrested and charged after allegedly wearing T-shirts bearing the same slogan. Amnesty International had previously called for their release and the withdrawal of the charges.
The organisation reiterated that the police must protect peaceful political activities irrespective of political affiliation, warning that restrictions on opposition gatherings could undermine citizens’ democratic rights.
As of the report, the allegations surrounding the police deployment in Kano had prompted condemnation from Amnesty International, while the account presented by the organisers remained an allegation.
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