The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned Niger State Governor Umar Bago for shutting down Badeggi FM, calling the move a throwback to military-era dictatorship.
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The private station, located in Minna, was accused by the governor’s office of airing content that could incite violence. Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago’s spokesperson, said the station had been operating unethically, prompting the order to revoke its license.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
In a statement on Saturday, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the clampdown as an attack on press freedom and a clear violation of democratic principles.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Abdullahi criticised the governor’s decision as part of a growing pattern of “executive overreach” by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He recalled a similar incident involving Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who recently declared a political opponent unwelcome in his state.
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He said, “Governor Bago must be reminded that he was elected by the people, not crowned as an emperor. Liberal democracy is built on freedoms—of speech, association, and movement—and no one has the authority to take those away under any pretext.”
The ADC argued that even if the radio station had breached broadcasting ethics, the proper channel for action lies with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), not the governor’s office. Abdullahi cited Section 2(1)(b) of the NBC Act, which places disciplinary powers squarely in the hands of the regulatory agency.
He accused the governor of “criminalising free speech” and warned that such behaviour could lead to wider censorship. “Today it’s Badeggi FM. Tomorrow, it could be newspapers or journalists asking tough questions,” he said.
Abdullahi urged for the immediate reopening of the station and called for an independent investigation into the alleged misuse of state security agents in the matter. He also urged the National Assembly to protect the autonomy of the NBC and prevent governors from abusing power.
“Autocracy begins when microphones are seized and radio stations are shut down. Nigeria’s democracy must not be silenced,” the statement concluded.
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