ADC Slams Niger Gov, Bago Over Shutdown Of Badeggi FM

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the suspension of Badeggi FM by Niger State Governor Umar Bago, describing the move as undemocratic and a direct threat to press freedom.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, denounced the governor’s action as an “executive overreach” and a “disturbing trend,” likening it to authoritarian rule.

“This is nothing short of a brazen assault on press freedom and a clear violation of the rule of law, reminiscent of military dictatorship,” Abdullahi said.

He emphasized that under the Nigerian Constitution, no individual—regardless of position—has the authority to infringe on these freedoms under any pretext.

Abdullahi argued that if Badeggi FM had violated broadcasting ethics or exceeded the limits of free speech, there were legal and institutional frameworks in place to address such issues.

He cited Section 2(1)(b) of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, which gives the NBC sole authority to sanction radio stations—not state governors.

“It is outrageous for an elected governor to accuse citizens of treason—the most serious crime in the country—and unilaterally declare them guilty without due process,” he added.

The ADC warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could set a dangerous precedent and further erode press freedom nationwide.

“Today it’s Badeggi FM—tomorrow it could be a newspaper, a social media platform, or a journalist simply asking uncomfortable questions,” Abdullahi cautioned.

The party called on Governor Bago to immediately reopen Badeggi FM and urged an independent investigation into what it described as the misuse of security agencies for political retaliation.

Abdullahi also appealed to the National Assembly to take decisive steps to strengthen the independence of the NBC and protect it from political influence.