Police Clampdown on Anti-Tinubu Rally Shameful, Unconstitutional, Says ADC-PCC

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has strongly criticized the Kano State Police Command for disrupting a "Tinubu Must Go" rally in Kano, portraying the action as shameful, unconstitutional and a worrying trend toward authoritarianism. According to a statement by the ADC-PCC's Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the rally, organized by youth activists, condemned President Bola Tinubu's continued rule and criticized the police for infringing upon Nigerians' fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, which are protected by Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.

The rally, led by Barrister Abba Hikima, faced disruption when police officers barricaded the venue and allegedly intimidated participants. Despite the police interference, the rally organizers demonstrated remarkable courage and determination, refusing to be silenced and insisting on their right to voice their dissent. The ADC-PCC expressed deep concern over the reported arrest of the venue owner for allegedly permitting the gathering, viewing it as yet another example of the APC-led government's intolerance of dissent.

Ologbondiyan questioned why a business owner should face legal action for making a facility available for peaceful assembly. He described the situation in Kano as ironic, given the government's claim to uphold democratic values while being threatened by citizens exercising their constitutional rights. He emphasized the widespread anger and frustration among Nigerians, stating that the government's attempts to silence dissent are futile.

"You cannot arrest hunger in the land. You cannot barricade the anger and frustration of over 200 million people," he asserted.