Authorities in northern Nigeria are facing criticism over alleged restrictions on political dissent following the arrest of five men in Borno State over their involvement with “Tinubu Must Go!” T-shirts. The men, aged 21 to 44, were charged with conspiracy, inciting a disturbance, disturbing public peace, and thuggery. Police denied targeting their political views, citing alleged illicit drugs and other items found during a patrol. Separately, police in Kano blocked a planned meeting by the movement, which opposes President Bola Tinubu’s administration and seeks to mobilize Nigerians ahead of the January 2027 presidential election. Activists and Amnesty International have condemned the actions, warning that they threaten freedom of expression and association.