By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja –
African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, for shutting down Badeggi FM, describing the move as “undemocratic and an affront on press freedom”.
According to the ADC, the governor’s action is a clear violation of the rule of law and reminiscent of military dictatorship.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the governor’s decision is an executive overreach, adding that “under our constitution, no one has the power to truncate these freedoms under any pretext whatsoever”.
Abdullahi emphasized that if Badeggi FM had behaved unethically, there are provisions in the law for legitimate redress, and institutions responsible for ensuring compliance.
Abdullahi cited Section 2(1)(b) of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, which grants the power to sanction radio stations solely to the NBC, not state governors.
He described the governor’s action as “outrageous in every respect” and warned that if allowed to stand, it would set a precedent that would imperil press freedom nationwide.
The ADC is calling for the immediate reopening of Badeggi FM and an independent investigation into the alleged misuse of security operatives for political retaliation.
The party also urged the National Assembly to reinforce the autonomy of the NBC and protect broadcast regulation from political interference .
Abdullahi warned that “today it is Badeggi FM—tomorrow it could be a newspaper, a social media platform, or a journalist asking the ‘wrong questions'”.
This, he said, is how autocracy begins, and urged all Nigerians to resist the creeping dictatorship.
