Members of the ‘Tinubu Must Go’ (TMG) movement have accused the police of preventing them from accessing a venue booked for their meeting in Kano State.
Abba Hikima, a lawyer and one of the movement’s conveners, raised the alarm in a live video posted on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
According to Hikima, about 10 mobile police vehicles were stationed at the venue to prevent members from entering the premises.
The movement describes itself as a non-partisan platform for public enlightenment and mobilisation of Nigerians to vote out President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, citing the administration’s economic policies and the hardship they say citizens have endured.
Speaking in the video, Hikima said members had gathered to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.
He alleged that the police blockade was an attempt to suppress their activities and prevent them from expressing opposition to the Tinubu administration.
Hikima also disclosed that he had spoken with the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, who reportedly advised him to inform the security agency about the meeting.
The lawyer said he assured the commissioner that the gathering would be peaceful and held within an enclosed venue.
“We are not criminals, we are not thugs, we are not hooligans and we have not committed any offence. And there is nothing wrong with what we are doing right now,” he said.
Hikima argued that members did not require police permission to hold the meeting, citing Sections 35, 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provide for personal liberty, freedom of expression and freedom of association.
He further alleged that some officers told him the police had no objection to the meeting but opposed members wearing clothing bearing the ‘Tinubu Must Go’ inscription.
Rejecting the alleged restriction, Hikima insisted that members had the right to display the insignia as part of their political expression.
He vowed that the movement would continue its activities, including holding meetings, protests and demonstrations.
“The Court of Appeal decision stands. I do not need to inform any security agent to hold my rallies. Next time, we are going to protest; next time we are going to demonstrate,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, did not answer calls or respond to text messages and WhatsApp messages seeking clarification on why officers allegedly barricaded the venue.
The police had yet to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the incident as of the time of the report.
