Organisers relocate presentation to Abuja, allege attempts to frustrate event

The management of Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), has cancelled the booking of its hall for the public presentation of a book critically examining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, according to the book’s organisers.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 11 October 2026, the Executive Director, Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, said the organisers received a cancellation letter on Saturday, 10 October.

The book, titled Tinubu: From Renewed Hope to Despair: A Critical Examination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government, examines the administration’s policies and their implications for Nigeria’s economy, security, national unity and democratic development.

Mohammed alleged that the cancellation was part of an attempt to prevent the public presentation from taking place, adding that the organisers had also encountered difficulties securing an alternative venue in Kaduna.

He claimed that hotels approached by the organisers had informed them that they had been warned against hosting the event, although the statement did not provide further details to substantiate the allegation.

The organisers have consequently decided to relocate the presentation to Abuja, where a new venue and date will be announced after the necessary arrangements have been completed.

Mohammed expressed concern over what he described as growing intolerance towards dissenting opinions and independent scrutiny under the Tinubu administration and among some state governors and their political supporters.

He also questioned the reported pressure on Ahmadu Bello University to withdraw the use of Arewa House, arguing that universities should promote intellectual freedom, independent inquiry and open debate.

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According to him, the book relies on information already in the public domain and seeks to encourage informed discussion about the performance of the Tinubu administration.

He maintained that those who disagree with the book’s findings should challenge them through evidence, reasoned arguments and alternative perspectives rather than attempting to prevent its presentation.

“The proper response to criticism is engagement, not suppression,” Mohammed said.

He further argued that attempts to stop the event would not address the economic difficulties, security challenges and concerns about public confidence in government that the book examines.

The organisers insisted that the right to scrutinise public officials and question government policies was an essential part of democracy.

“We remain resolute in our determination to present this book,” the statement said, adding that the event would proceed in Abuja once the arrangements had been finalised.

The statement did not include a response from the management of Arewa House or Ahmadu Bello University to the allegations surrounding the cancellation.