APC governors acting like emperors, ADC slams Niger governor over clampdown on Badeggi FM

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the shutdown of Badeggi FM by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, describing it as a brazen assault on press freedom and a troubling sign of increasing authoritarianism among governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC likened Governor Bago’s action to a throwback to military dictatorship, warning that such overreach poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s fragile democracy.

“Governor Bago’s decision to shut down Badeggi FM ‘with immediate effect’ is nothing short of a brazen assault on press freedom and a clear violation of the rule of law,” the party said.

The ADC also referenced a similar incident in Edo State, where Governor Monday Okpebholo had recently declared a political figure persona non grata, suggesting a troubling pattern of repression among APC state leaders.

“The APC governors who consider themselves as some kind of emperors need to be educated on the democratic principles they swore to uphold,” the statement added.

The party cited Section 2(1)(b) of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, noting that only the NBC is legally empowered to sanction broadcast stations—not state governors.

“If the radio station acted unethically, there are legal provisions for redress. But for an elected governor to declare citizens guilty of treason simply for broadcasting uncomfortable truths is outrageous,” the ADC stated.

It warned that the incident could set a dangerous precedent for media freedom across Nigeria. “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.”