The book, titled Tinubu: 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.
The publication examines the policies, performance and socioeconomic consequences of Tinubu’s administration since it assumed office in May 2023.
In a statement, the Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development, Research and Training (CEDDERT), Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, said the presentation was intended to bring together scholars, public intellectuals, policymakers, political actors, journalists and members of the public to discuss the issues raised in the book.
The organisers said the event would provide an opportunity for participants to assess the direction of governance and democracy in Nigeria.
However, following the cancellation of the Kaduna venue, the organisers announced that the presentation would proceed in Abuja, with the new date and venue to be communicated after the necessary arrangements had been completed.
Mohammed expressed concern over what he described as an attempt to suppress freedom of expression and restrict public scrutiny of the government.
He said the organisers had anticipated possible difficulties after invitations to the event were circulated, noting that several people had expressed concerns that efforts might be made to prevent the presentation from taking place.
“We were not entirely surprised by this development. 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.
According to Mohammed, the concerns were informed by what he described as an increasingly intolerant attitude towards criticism by Tinubu, some state governors and their political allies.
He alleged that political leaders were becoming less willing to accommodate dissenting opinions and independent assessments of their performance.
The CEDDERT director argued that democratic governance required those in positions of authority to respond to criticism through evidence, policy explanations and public engagement rather than actions that could restrict debate.
“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 stated.
Mohammed further said that attempts to restrict critical expression raised questions about the commitment of public officials to democratic principles.
He disclosed that the organisers had sought alternative venues in Kaduna after concerns emerged about the availability of Arewa House.
However, he claimed that hotels approached by the organisers had indicated they could not accommodate the event because they had allegedly been warned against hosting it.
The allegation has not been independently established in the information provided.
“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. We are therefore relocating the book presentation to Abuja,” Mohammed said.
He added that the organisers remained determined to proceed with the event but were concerned that further obstacles could arise, including possible involvement by security agencies.
The statement also expressed concern over reports that pressure had allegedly been placed on Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) to withdraw the use of Arewa House for the presentation.
Mohammed argued that universities and their affiliated institutions should promote intellectual freedom, independent inquiry and open discussion of public affairs.
He maintained that academic institutions should provide space for examining government policies and the conduct of political leaders, including through critical publications and public discussions.
According to him, preventing such engagements would be inconsistent with the intellectual responsibilities expected of universities.
The cancellation has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the loss of the Kaduna venue and whether the organisers’ allegations of pressure on potential hosts can be substantiated.
The organisers have not abandoned the project, however, and say they intend to proceed with the presentation in Abuja once arrangements for the new venue and date are finalised.
The book’s title signals a critical assessment of Tinubu’s administration, although the arguments and evidence contained in the publication will ultimately need to be examined on their merits.
The controversy comes amid continuing national debates over economic reforms, the cost of living, governance and the space available for criticism of public officials.
For the organisers, the immediate priority is to secure a new venue and ensure that the presentation goes ahead. They have also called attention to the importance of protecting the right of citizens to assemble, exchange ideas and scrutinise government policies through peaceful and lawful means.
