‘Tinubu Must Go Through Ballot’: Human Rights Lawyer Explains Movement’s Campaign
The Convener of the Tinubu Must Go (TMG) Movement, Barrister Hamza N. Dantani, has said the group is mobilising against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it described as the administration’s policies and governance record, urging Nigerians to use the 2027 general election to determine the President’s political future.
Dantani, a human rights lawyer, stated this in an interview with DCL Hausa, transcribed by Politics Digest, where he outlined the objectives of the movement and its reasons for opposing the Tinubu administration.
He said the movement was not opposed to Tinubu on personal grounds but was challenging what he described as policies that had increased economic hardship, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, as well as alleged disregard for the rule of law and the worsening security situation across the country.
According to him, TMG was established following what he described as growing complaints among citizens over the performance of the administration since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
He alleged that the administration had fulfilled only a small proportion of the promises made by the President before and after his assumption of office.
Dantani also criticised the government’s tax policies and alleged that Nigerians were being subjected to excessive taxation and unexplained bank charges.
He particularly questioned the justification for the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the government had presented the policy as necessary to free resources for social amenities and infrastructure.
He, however, alleged that the expected benefits had not been sufficiently felt by ordinary Nigerians, arguing that the cost-of-living crisis had instead become more severe.
On governance and constitutional institutions, the TMG convener accused the administration of exerting undue influence over the National Assembly.
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He alleged that the legislature had increasingly operated as a “rubber stamp” for the executive, contrary to the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
“The legislature should be independent and function without any interference from any external sources,” he said.
Dantani further alleged that the judiciary had also faced instances of government influence, particularly in cases where he claimed the administration had an interest.
He also cited the political crisis in Rivers State as an example of what he described as excessive presidential influence over elected state governments. President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025 and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly for six months, appointing a sole administrator during the period.
Dantani nevertheless acknowledged that defeating Tinubu at the 2027 election would require opposition parties and political actors to overcome their differences and work together.
He specifically appealed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC ) and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to consider what he described as the broader interests of Nigerians and explore cooperation among opposition forces.
Politics Digest recalls that , the Independent National Electoral Commission has listed Tinubu, Atiku and Obi among the presidential candidates for the January 16, 2027 general election.
Dantani argued that cooperation among major opposition figures would be necessary for TMG’s objective of using the ballot box to seek a change in government.
He urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 election with careful consideration of the country’s future rather than allowing personal, ethnic, religious or partisan interests to determine their choices.
He said citizens should assess candidates and their programmes carefully before voting, stressing that the ultimate decision should be made through the democratic process.
The movement’s position comes as political parties and presidential candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 election, with INEC’s final list currently containing 18 presidential candidates.
