ADC blasts Niger governor over radio station shutdown

DDM News

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fiercely criticized Governor Umar Bago of Niger State for ordering the shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the party described the move as a dictatorial overreach that undermines press freedom and Nigeria’s democracy.

Governor Bago reportedly issued the directive during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus held at the Government House in Minna.

The order was disclosed by Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, who confirmed that both the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security were directed to enforce the shutdown.

Reacting to the development, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi issued a strongly worded statement on Saturday condemning the action.

He said the shutdown of Badeggi FM was not just a local administrative decision, but a dangerous signal of creeping authoritarianism under the APC.

According to the ADC, the decision to close the radio station “with immediate effect” resembles practices common under military dictatorships, not in a constitutional democracy.

Abdullahi warned that such executive actions erode the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.

The party expressed alarm over what it described as a rising trend of authoritarian behavior among APC state governors.

It cited a recent declaration by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who reportedly labeled Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as persona non grata in the state.

The ADC linked both incidents as examples of intolerance and repression under the APC leadership.

The party reminded Governor Bago that he was elected by the same citizens whose right to information he now seeks to suppress.

It stated clearly that the core of any liberal democracy is the protection of civil liberties, especially the freedom of speech and expression.

The party emphasized that under Nigeria’s constitution, no individual or state authority has the power to suspend these rights arbitrarily.

It further pointed to Section 2(1)(b) of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, which vests authority over broadcasting sanctions exclusively with the NBC.

The ADC warned that if state governors begin to unilaterally shut down media houses, it would set a precedent that could lead to full-scale press censorship nationwide.

According to the party, this is how authoritarian regimes are born—not necessarily through military coups, but through incremental suppression of dissenting voices.

The statement added that criminalizing free speech and branding dissent as treason amounts to weaponizing state power against the people.

It accused Governor Bago of assuming judicial powers by acting as accuser, judge, and enforcer without any legal due process.

The ADC said this misuse of power should alarm not only opposition parties but also journalists, civil society groups, and every Nigerian who values democracy.

The party warned that today’s closure of Badeggi FM could lead to tomorrow’s shutdown of newspapers, social media platforms, or public critics.

It called on Nigerians to reject what it termed “a creeping dictatorship” disguised as governance.

The ADC demanded the immediate reopening of Badeggi FM and called for an independent investigation into the use of state security personnel for political vendetta.

The statement also called on the National Assembly to take urgent steps to amend relevant laws and ensure the NBC remains insulated from political interference.

It urged lawmakers to reinforce the autonomy of media regulatory bodies and establish firm penalties for unconstitutional interference by state actors.

The party stressed that allowing this action to stand would embolden other state governors to suppress opposition through force or intimidation.

It concluded by reaffirming its commitment to upholding democratic values and called on all citizens to stay vigilant and resist attempts to silence the media.

The shutdown of Badeggi FM has drawn widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates and opposition groups across the country.

As the 2027 elections approach, observers fear that such anti-media actions could escalate in frequency and intensity.

ADC has positioned itself as a leading voice in the pro-democracy coalition seeking to challenge APC’s dominance through lawful and peaceful means.

Governor Bago has yet to respond directly to ADC’s allegations or provide detailed reasons for the radio station’s closure beyond the initial statement.

The political tension triggered by this development has deepened nationwide concerns about shrinking civic space and rising political repression in Nigeria.

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