By BONIFACE AKARAH

The planned public presentation of a book critically examining President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been moved from Kaduna to Abuja after the management of Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), cancelled the organisers’ hall booking, prompting allegations of attempts to frustrate the event.

In a press statement dated October 10, 2026, and signed by Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Executive Director, the organisers said they received the cancellation letter on Saturday, adding that their subsequent efforts to secure an alternative venue in Kaduna had also been unsuccessful.

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, according to the statement.

The organisers alleged that hotels they approached in Kaduna had been warned not to host the presentation, although the statement did not identify who allegedly issued the warnings or provide independent evidence confirming them.

They said the cancellation had reinforced concerns expressed by supporters and invitees that efforts might be made to prevent the event from taking place.

The statement accused political leaders of becoming increasingly unwilling to tolerate dissenting views and independent scrutiny, arguing that critics should be answered with evidence rather than restrictions.

“If those in power disagree with our analysis or conclusions, they are free to challenge them with evidence, reasoned arguments and alternative explanations,” Mohammed stated.

The organisers also expressed concern over what they described as reported pressure on ABU to withdraw the venue, arguing that universities should provide space for intellectual inquiry and debate on public affairs.

They maintained that the book relied on issues already in the public domain and was intended to stimulate discussion about government policies and their consequences.

“The proper response to criticism is engagement, not suppression,” the statement declared.

The organisers said they had decided to relocate the presentation to Abuja and would announce a new date and venue after completing the necessary arrangements.

However, they expressed concern that further attempts could be made to disrupt the event, including through the involvement of security agencies. The statement did not provide evidence that security agencies had been directed to intervene.

The statement further argued that preventing the presentation would not resolve the economic and security challenges discussed in the book or answer the questions it raises about governance.

“Elections confer the authority to govern; they do not confer the right to silence criticism,” Mohammed said.

The organisers insisted they would proceed with the presentation, describing the right to question public officials as an essential feature of democratic society.

The cancellation and alleged warnings to hotels were presented in the organisers’ account. The statement did not include a response from Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University or the Tinubu administration.