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.
