A Nigerian research institute said on Monday its venue booking for the launch of a book critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was cancelled following pressure from authorities, forcing the event to be relocated to the capital.

​The Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT) had scheduled the public presentation of “Tinubu: From Renewed Hope to Despair: A Critical Examination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government” at Arewa House, a center affiliated with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Kaduna.

​In a press statement, CEDDERT Executive Director Abubakar Siddique Mohammed said the management of Arewa House revoked the venue reservation on Saturday, Oct. 10.

​Mohammed added that attempts to secure alternative spaces at local hotels in Kaduna were unsuccessful after management at multiple venues reported receiving warnings against hosting the gathering.

​”If these reports are accurate, they point to a disturbing attempt to deny citizens their right to assemble, exchange ideas and critically examine the conduct of those entrusted with public office,” Mohammed said in the statement.

​CEDDERT said it will now move the launch to Abuja, though a firm date and venue have yet to be finalized.

​Spokespersons for President Tinubu and Ahmadu Bello University did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

​Tinubu took office in May 2023 promising economic renewal under his “Renewed Hope” agenda. However, his administration has faced growing public discontent over economic reforms, including the removal of a popular fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, which have driven inflation higher across Africa’s most populous nation.

​Rights groups have previously raised concerns over the shrinking space for political dissent and press freedom in Nigeria, charges the government has repeatedly denied.

​CEDDERT stated that the book compiles existing public data to evaluate the administration’s performance across economic, security, and governance metrics.

​”Elections confer the authority to govern; they do not confer the right to silence criticism,” Mohammed said, adding that the institute remains committed to proceeding with the publication’s release.