Amnesty International condemns police blocking of ‘Tinubu Must Go’ protest in Kano

Crime Diary, News

KANO, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the reported blocking of a “Tinubu Must Go” protest in Kano, accusing the police of violating the rights to peaceful assembly and political association.

The human rights organisation said heavily armed police officers blocked both ends of the road leading to the venue on Sunday.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, Amnesty International called on the Nigeria Police Force to stop what it described as the unlawful obstruction of peaceful political activities.

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The organisation said supporters of all political parties and candidates had the right to organise peaceful gatherings, regardless of whom they supported or opposed.

“The duty of the police is to facilitate peaceful conduct of such political gatherings — no matter the political party or candidate being supported or opposed,” it said.

Amnesty International stressed that freedom of association and peaceful assembly should not be exclusive to supporters of any particular political party.

The organisation described the Kano incident as part of what it called a troubling pattern of police repression targeting opposition supporters in different parts of the country.

It warned that repeated intimidation and obstruction could undermine the ability of opposition groups to associate freely and hold peaceful public gatherings.

The “Tinubu Must Go” campaign and related demonstrations have also taken place in Maiduguri, Borno State, in north-eastern Nigeria, and Sokoto State in the north-west, according to the report.

The protests come amid economic hardship and growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The demonstrations have taken place against the backdrop of public concerns over the cost of living following the removal of the petrol subsidy and other economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Federal Government has maintained that its reform programme is producing results, pointing to foreign exchange market liberalisation and efforts to stabilise the naira against the US dollar.

Amnesty International urged the police to respect fundamental rights and facilitate peaceful political gatherings, irrespective of the political affiliations of participants.