MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — Convener of the “Tinubu Must Go” Movement, Hamza Nuhu Dantati, says economic hardship, insecurity, killings and mass abductions motivated the creation of the political advocacy group.
Dantati, a human rights activist and legal practitioner, said he initiated the movement on March 30, 2026, after deciding to turn the slogan “Tinubu Must Go” into a coordinated campaign against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said the slogan developed from the popular “Ghana Must Go” expression, which he adapted and posted on Facebook. According to him, fellow activist and co-convener Abba Hikima Fagge subsequently joined the initiative.
Movement Emerged From Protest Chants
Dantati said the “Tinubu Must Go” slogan also featured in scattered chants during Democracy Day protests in June before developing into what organisers describe as a coordinated movement.
He and Fagge described the platform as non-partisan and focused on public enlightenment and political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisers said their objective is to mobilise Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the Tinubu administration and encourage political change through the electoral process.
Dantati said the movement was not created because of personal hostility towards the president.
“It is not that we don’t like Tinubu in person, we hate his policies,” he said.
He accused the administration of weakening the separation of powers and alleged excessive executive influence over the National Assembly. The claims represent Dantati’s political assessment and were not independently established.
Fuel Prices, Taxes And Insecurity
According to the activist, the removal of fuel subsidy, higher petroleum and commodity prices, taxation and insecurity were among the major issues that influenced the movement’s formation.
He said the organisers believed there was a gap between promises made during the 2023 election campaign and the experiences of Nigerians since Tinubu assumed office.
“What inspired us to establish this movement is looking at the way the government and policies of this government are not friendly to the progress of this country,” Dantati said.
He also criticised the continued dominance of the All Progressives Congress at the federal level, saying the movement wanted to contribute to a change in Nigeria’s political system.
Movement Seeks Opposition Unity
Dantati said the movement’s activities would extend beyond protests to political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.
He disclosed that TMG had written to some opposition politicians, urging them to work towards presenting a single candidate capable of challenging the ruling party.
“Our initial intention was to serve them with letters so that at least we need unity. Let them unite themselves and come up with one contestant who will contest on behalf of the opposition,” he said.
Dantati maintained that the movement was established for what its organisers considered the interests of ordinary Nigerians rather than personal political appointments.
He attributed the group’s growth, particularly online, to what he described as widespread dissatisfaction with the administration.
Activist Challenges Police Account
Dantati also raised concerns over the continued detention of five men arrested in Maiduguri after they were reportedly seen wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
The five men — Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed — were arrested on September 25, according to the police.
The Borno State Police Command said the arrests followed a routine township patrol around West-end Roundabout and alleged that the suspects were involved in conduct capable of causing a breach of public peace.
Police also said officers recovered items including suspected cannabis, tablets, a shisha pot, scissors and two T-shirts bearing the “Tinubu Must Go” inscription.
The suspects were subsequently arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri, where they pleaded not guilty.
Dispute Over Charges
Dantati challenged aspects of the police account, saying there were apparent discrepancies between the police statement and the particulars contained in the charge sheet before the court.
He questioned whether the items listed by the police formed part of the offences for which the defendants were arraigned and whether their alleged recovery established the offences of conspiracy and inciting public disturbance.
According to him, the charge sheet, rather than a police press statement, determines the specific allegations before the court.
He also urged the police to exercise caution when discussing suspects who have not been convicted, stressing the constitutional principle that accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“No citizen should remain in prison custody merely because of a political expression or slogan where the prosecution cannot establish a legally cognizable offense supported by the particulars and evidence required by law,” Dantati said.
Police Reject Political-Motivation Claim
The police have denied that the five men were arrested simply because they wore “Tinubu Must Go” shirts.
The command said the suspects were prosecuted over alleged criminal offences, including thuggery, inciting public disturbance and possession of suspected illicit substances.
The arrests have attracted criticism from groups and political figures, including Amnesty International, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Borno State chapter of the African Democratic Congress.
The police, however, maintained that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional and non-partisan institution that does not discriminate against citizens because of political affiliation or viewpoint.
- The dispute over the arrests has consequently become part of the wider debate over political expression, public order and the limits of dissent as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 elections.
