Amnesty International and the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) have expressed concern over the reported restriction of a political gathering in Kano. The two organisations alleged that heavily armed police officers blocked access to the 'Tinubu Must Go' event, preventing citizens from exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, freedom of association, and freedom of expression.
According to Amnesty International, the police blockade was a reckless violation of citizens' rights, and the responsibility of the police was to facilitate the peaceful conduct of political gatherings, not obstruct them. The organisation emphasised that freedom of association and peaceful assembly were fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
Amnesty International further alleged that the incident reflected a troubling pattern of police repression against opposition members in different parts of Nigeria. The organisation warned that repeated incidents of intimidation and alleged attacks against opposition supporters could undermine their ability to associate freely and organise public gatherings.
CITAD strongly condemned the reported police blockade, describing it as a development that raised serious concerns about the protection of fundamental human rights and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to democratic principles. The organisation said it was unacceptable for the police to obstruct citizens from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful assembly, association, and expression.
CITAD called on the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other relevant institutions to ensure that security agencies respect the Constitution and refrain from actions that undermine civic freedoms. The organisation also urged the authorities to investigate the incident, establish accountability where violations were found, and issue clear directives against the arbitrary obstruction of peaceful political activities.
The blockade has sparked concerns about the shrinking civic space ahead of the 2027 general elections. CITAD stressed that democracy could not thrive where citizens were prevented from peacefully expressing dissent, urging the government and security agencies to uphold the rule of law and protect the fundamental rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their political opinions.
Both organisations reiterated that peaceful dissent was not a crime and that no government or security institution should place itself above the Constitution. The incident has sparked a renewed call for the government and security agencies to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression.
Key points
- Amnesty International and CITAD condemn police blockade of 'Tinubu Must Go' event in Kano.
- The blockade was described as a violation of citizens' fundamental human rights.
- The incident has sparked concerns about the shrinking civic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
