The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing attack on Niger State Governor, Muhammed Umaru Bago, following his decision to shut down a private radio station, Badeggi FM, with immediate effect.
Describing the move as “a brazen assault on press freedom,” the ADC accused the governor of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of military dictatorship.
The party warned that the governor’s actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations and undermine constitutional rights.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said Governor Bago’s action signals a disturbing pattern of executive overreach that is becoming common among governors elected under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ADC drew parallels between Bago’s move and a recent controversy involving Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, who publicly declared Peter Obi persona non grata in the state—an act the ADC sees as an escalating trend of political intolerance within the APC.
“Perhaps Governor Bago needs to be reminded that he was elected by these same people whose truth he now finds so uncomfortable that he is willing to have their heads,” the statement read. “Nigeria is not a monarchy. Governors are not emperors.”
The party stressed that under Nigeria’s constitution, freedom of expression and press freedom are non-negotiable rights. It noted that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)—not state governors—holds the legal authority to regulate broadcast stations under Section 2(1)(b) of the NBC Act.
“By criminalizing free speech and declaring dissent as treason, Governor Bago has demonstrated the scant regard he has for the very constitution he swore to uphold,” the statement added.
The ADC also raised concerns that if the shutdown of Badeggi FM is allowed to stand, it could set a dangerous precedent and embolden further attacks on the media nationwide.
“Today it is Badeggi FM—tomorrow it could be a newspaper, a social media platform, or a journalist asking the ‘wrong questions.’ This is how autocracy begins—not with tanks in the streets, but with microphones being seized and studios bulldozed.”
The party is calling for the immediate reopening of the radio station and an independent investigation into the deployment of security operatives allegedly used for political retaliation.
It also urged the National Assembly to urgently legislate reforms that will further protect the independence of the NBC and insulate media regulation from political interference.
As of press time, Governor Bago’s office has not issued a response to the allegations.
