The Centre for Democratic Development and Training has alleged attempts to frustrate the public presentation of a book critically examining President Bola Tinubu’s administration, following the cancellation of its venue booking in Kaduna.
The book, titled From Renewed Hope to Despair: A Critical Examination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government, was scheduled for presentation on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Arewa House, Kaduna.
In a statement on Sunday, the centre’s Executive Director, Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, said the management of the venue had informed the organisers that the booking had been cancelled.
He said the presentation had consequently been moved to Abuja, with a new date and venue to be announced after the necessary arrangements had been completed.
Mohammed said the organisers were not entirely surprised by the development, claiming that concerns about possible attempts to stop the event had emerged shortly after invitations were sent out.
“From the moment we began sending out invitations to the book presentation, many people expressed fears that attempts would be made to prevent the event from taking place,” he said.
He alleged that what the organisation regarded as growing intolerance towards dissenting views among Tinubu, some governors and their political allies had contributed to the concerns.
According to Mohammed, those in power appeared increasingly unwilling to tolerate criticism and independent scrutiny of their actions.
“Rather than engage critics with facts, defend their records and offer convincing answers to the mounting challenges confronting Nigerians, those in power appear more concerned with controlling public discourse and protecting their political interests,” he said.
He added that the reported cancellation had reinforced the organisers’ concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression.
“Any attempt to restrict critical expression raises serious questions about the commitment of those responsible to democratic principles. Those fears have now become a reality,” Mohammed said.
The executive director further alleged that the organisers had tried to secure alternative venues in Kaduna but were informed by the hotels they approached that they had been warned against hosting the event.
“Anticipating this possibility, we made efforts to secure an alternative venue in Kaduna. However, we have been informed by every hotel we have approached that they have been warned not to accommodate our event,” he said.
Mohammed said that, if confirmed, the alleged pressure would raise concerns about citizens’ rights to assemble, exchange ideas and scrutinise public officials.
He also expressed concern over reports that Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) had been pressured to withdraw the use of Arewa House, arguing that universities should protect intellectual freedom and encourage open debate.
“The reported pressure on Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) to withdraw the use of Arewa House is particularly troubling. A university of ABU’s standing should be a defender of intellectual freedom, independent inquiry and open debate,” he said.
He maintained that the book examined the Tinubu administration’s record, including its policies and their implications for Nigeria’s economy, security, national unity and democratic development.
According to him, the publication was intended to promote public understanding and encourage informed debate on governance.
“There is nothing in this book that is not already in the public domain,” he said.
Mohammed argued that those who disagreed with the book’s conclusions should respond with evidence and alternative arguments rather than seek to prevent its presentation.
“If those in power disagree with our analysis or conclusions, they are free to challenge them with evidence, reasoned arguments and alternative explanations,” he said.
“What they should not do is seek to prevent the public from hearing arguments they dislike. The proper response to criticism is engagement, not suppression.”
He further argued that preventing the presentation would not address the economic hardship, security challenges or declining public confidence in government highlighted by the organisation.
The executive director described the alleged obstacles as particularly troubling because the book concerns the performance of an elected administration.
“Elections confer the authority to govern; they do not confer the right to silence criticism. Public office carries an obligation to account for decisions, policies and outcomes,” he said.
Mohammed insisted that the organisation would proceed with the presentation in Abuja, despite concerns that further attempts might be made to frustrate the event, including through security agencies.
He said the new venue and date would be announced once the arrangements had been concluded.
The allegations of pressure on the venue and hotels were contained in the organisation’s statement. The statement did not include responses from the management of Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University or the authorities accused of seeking to frustrate the event.
