The African Action Congress (AAC) unequivocally condemns the recent decision by the Kano State Government to ban all live political programmes across media platforms in the state and to impose draconian restrictions on journalists and media professionals.

This action, as announced by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, and formalized in a directive signed by the Director of Special Duties, Sani Abba Yola, constitutes a grave violation of democratic principles, press freedom, and the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and access to information.

The AAC views this move as an authoritarian attempt to stifle political dissent, muzzle the press, and shield the government from public accountability. The prohibition of what the government terms “provocative questions” is a deliberately vague and subjective standard designed to intimidate journalists and suppress critical inquiry. Such language provides the government with unchecked discretion to silence any form of interrogation that challenges its narrative or exposes its failures.

Furthermore, the requirement that media guests sign undertakings not to make “abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks” is not only redundant—given existing defamation and hate speech laws—but also opens the door to censorship, as these terms are undefined and could be manipulated to target opposition voices or dissenting views.

It is deeply troubling that the state seeks to control not only what is said, but how it is said, going as far as to prohibit gestures deemed suggestive. This level of surveillance over speech and expression reflects a creeping authoritarianism that has no place in a democratic society.

The AAC strongly asserts that democracy thrives on free and open discourse. It is through robust political debate, public scrutiny, and freedom of the press that governments are held accountable and citizens are empowered to make informed decisions.

While the AAC acknowledges and appreciates the laudable infrastructural and developmental projects being undertaken by the Kano State Government, we emphasize that such achievements must not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms. Development and democracy must go hand in hand.
By banning live political programmes, the Kano State Government is effectively denying the people of the state their right to hear alternative political perspectives, critically assess governance, and participate meaningfully in public life.

This action represents a clear and dangerous erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms. It is reminiscent of repressive regimes that fear transparency and public engagement. The AAC calls on civil society organizations, professional bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), media houses, and all citizens of conscience to reject this undemocratic imposition and demand its immediate reversal.

We also call on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to resist being co-opted into enforcing these unconstitutional measures and to reaffirm its mandate to protect media freedom in Nigeria. The right to freedom of expression and press is enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must not be traded away for political convenience.

The AAC reiterates its commitment to fighting for justice, transparency, and true democracy in Nigeria. We will continue to resist all forms of political repression and stand with the people of Kano State and the Nigerian media in defending their right to speak freely and hold power to account.

Signed:
Abba Sharif Abdullahi
Chairman, Kano State Chapter
African Action Congress (AAC)

The African Action Congress (AAC) unequivocally condemns the recent decision by the Kano State Government to ban all live political programmes across media platforms in the state and to impose draconian restrictions on journalists and media professionals.

This action, as announced by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, and formalized in a directive signed by the Director of Special Duties, Sani Abba Yola, constitutes a grave violation of democratic principles, press freedom, and the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and access to information.

The AAC views this move as an authoritarian attempt to stifle political dissent, muzzle the press, and shield the government from public accountability. The prohibition of what the government terms “provocative questions” is a deliberately vague and subjective standard designed to intimidate journalists and suppress critical inquiry. Such language provides the government with unchecked discretion to silence any form of interrogation that challenges its narrative or exposes its failures.

Furthermore, the requirement that media guests sign undertakings not to make “abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks” is not only redundant—given existing defamation and hate speech laws—but also opens the door to censorship, as these terms are undefined and could be manipulated to target opposition voices or dissenting views.

It is deeply troubling that the state seeks to control not only what is said, but how it is said, going as far as to prohibit gestures deemed suggestive. This level of surveillance over speech and expression reflects a creeping authoritarianism that has no place in a democratic society.

The AAC strongly asserts that democracy thrives on free and open discourse. It is through robust political debate, public scrutiny, and freedom of the press that governments are held accountable and citizens are empowered to make informed decisions.

While the AAC acknowledges and appreciates the laudable infrastructural and developmental projects being undertaken by the Kano State Government, we emphasize that such achievements must not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms. Development and democracy must go hand in hand.
By banning live political programmes, the Kano State Government is effectively denying the people of the state their right to hear alternative political perspectives, critically assess governance, and participate meaningfully in public life.

This action represents a clear and dangerous erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms. It is reminiscent of repressive regimes that fear transparency and public engagement. The AAC calls on civil society organizations, professional bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), media houses, and all citizens of conscience to reject this undemocratic imposition and demand its immediate reversal.

We also call on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to resist being co-opted into enforcing these unconstitutional measures and to reaffirm its mandate to protect media freedom in Nigeria. The right to freedom of expression and press is enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must not be traded away for political convenience.

The AAC reiterates its commitment to fighting for justice, transparency, and true democracy in Nigeria. We will continue to resist all forms of political repression and stand with the people of Kano State and the Nigerian media in defending their right to speak freely and hold power to account.

Signed:
Abba Sharif Abdullahi
Chairman, Kano State Chapter
African Action Congress (AAC)

The African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), accusing them of working together to weaken the independence of local governments.

This comes despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that clearly supports the right of local governments to run their own affairs.

In a statement issued by AAC Lagos Chairman Ayoyinka Oni and signed by State Secretary Jedege Kehinde, the party condemned what it called a “calculated effort” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and LASIEC to frustrate the implementation of genuine local government autonomy.

“This is a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court judgment which affirms the constitutional right of local governments to operate independently,” the statement read. “If no one else can govern a state where there’s an elected governor, why then should any person oversee local governments when there are elected chairmen?”

AAC pointed to the attempt by the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a bill that would have empowered the governor to appoint Mayors to head Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

According to the statement, this move was thwarted only after a public backlash during a legislative hearing, where the AAC and other civic voices pushed back strongly.

The party also criticised the clandestine passage of a new Lagos State Electoral Law on January 9, 2025, which reportedly occurred while the House was on recess. Governor Sanwo-Olu signed the law the following day, prompting the AAC to decry what it described as a lack of transparency and public engagement.

“It is a big disappointment,” the AAC stated, recounting how the LASIEC Chair told the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) that the law had been passed and signed without public knowledge. “When asked for a copy, she said we should go and buy it—because she herself bought the copy she uses. Since when did laws become commodities for sale? These are documents that should be accessible to the public.”

AAC also denounced the introduction of administrative fees for candidates seeking to contest in the upcoming local government elections. The party argued that LASIEC’s decision, supported only by the APC, was both unconstitutional and exclusionary, noting that 18 other IPAC member parties had rejected the fees.

“LASIEC is not a revenue-generating agency. Budgetary allocations have already been made for the election. This move will only disenfranchise capable candidates who want to serve but cannot afford the cost,” the statement read.

Further expressing concerns over election security, the AAC questioned LASIEC’s readiness to prevent electoral violence—an issue that has plagued previous polls in Lagos.

“We will not accept elections engulfed with violence, malpractice, and partisanship. If LASIEC cannot assure a level playing ground, we will not hesitate to seek political and legal redress,” the party warned.

Additionally, the AAC criticised the state government’s continued recognition of LCDAs, which are not constitutionally backed, asserting that only the 20 constitutionally recognised local governments have legal standing.

“No state has the power to create new local governments outside the constitutional process. That is a national issue that requires constitutional amendment,” AAC said.

Calling on Lagosians to reject what it described as an “illegal arrangement,” the party rallied public support.

“We invite all well-meaning Lagosians to rise and reject this constitutional violation. We must liberate Lagos from those who refuse to allow it to grow,” the statement concluded.

The African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), accusing them of working together to weaken the independence of local governments.

This comes despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that clearly supports the right of local governments to run their own affairs.

In a statement issued by AAC Lagos Chairman Ayoyinka Oni and signed by State Secretary Jedege Kehinde, the party condemned what it called a “calculated effort” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and LASIEC to frustrate the implementation of genuine local government autonomy.

“This is a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court judgment which affirms the constitutional right of local governments to operate independently,” the statement read. “If no one else can govern a state where there’s an elected governor, why then should any person oversee local governments when there are elected chairmen?”

AAC pointed to the attempt by the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a bill that would have empowered the governor to appoint Mayors to head Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

According to the statement, this move was thwarted only after a public backlash during a legislative hearing, where the AAC and other civic voices pushed back strongly.

The party also criticised the clandestine passage of a new Lagos State Electoral Law on January 9, 2025, which reportedly occurred while the House was on recess. Governor Sanwo-Olu signed the law the following day, prompting the AAC to decry what it described as a lack of transparency and public engagement.

“It is a big disappointment,” the AAC stated, recounting how the LASIEC Chair told the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) that the law had been passed and signed without public knowledge. “When asked for a copy, she said we should go and buy it—because she herself bought the copy she uses. Since when did laws become commodities for sale? These are documents that should be accessible to the public.”

AAC also denounced the introduction of administrative fees for candidates seeking to contest in the upcoming local government elections. The party argued that LASIEC’s decision, supported only by the APC, was both unconstitutional and exclusionary, noting that 18 other IPAC member parties had rejected the fees.

“LASIEC is not a revenue-generating agency. Budgetary allocations have already been made for the election. This move will only disenfranchise capable candidates who want to serve but cannot afford the cost,” the statement read.

Further expressing concerns over election security, the AAC questioned LASIEC’s readiness to prevent electoral violence—an issue that has plagued previous polls in Lagos.

“We will not accept elections engulfed with violence, malpractice, and partisanship. If LASIEC cannot assure a level playing ground, we will not hesitate to seek political and legal redress,” the party warned.

Additionally, the AAC criticised the state government’s continued recognition of LCDAs, which are not constitutionally backed, asserting that only the 20 constitutionally recognised local governments have legal standing.

“No state has the power to create new local governments outside the constitutional process. That is a national issue that requires constitutional amendment,” AAC said.

Calling on Lagosians to reject what it described as an “illegal arrangement,” the party rallied public support.

“We invite all well-meaning Lagosians to rise and reject this constitutional violation. We must liberate Lagos from those who refuse to allow it to grow,” the statement concluded.