Abuse Of Power: ADC Slams Bago For Shutting Down Badeggi FM

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the shutting down of Badeggi FM by Niger State Governor, Muhammed Umaru Bago, describing it as “a brazen assault on press freedom.”

ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, 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.

The ADC said Bago’s move was similar to a recent controversy involving Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, who publicly declared Peter Obi persona non grata in the state.

The statement noted that “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.

“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.

“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 statement added.

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.

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.

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