Politics
Election Coverage: SERAP Gives Buhari 48 Hours To Withdraw Threat To Shut Down Broadcast Stations
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “instruct Mr. Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to urgently withdraw the ‘last warning’ and threat to revoke the licenses of broadcast stations and shut them down over their coverage of elections and post-election matters.”
NBC had last week threatened to revoke the licenses of broadcast stations and shut them down “if they continue to allow unpatriotic individuals on their platforms to make utterances that are subversive, hateful, and inciting, and negative conversations particularly in the post-2023 Presidential Election.”
But in a letter dated 11 March, 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said, “The ‘last warning’ and threat by the NBC if not immediately withdrawn would limit freedom of expression and the ability of broadcast stations to cover important issues around the 2023 general elections.”
According to SERAP, “Threatening to shut down and revoke the licenses of broadcast stations simply for carrying out their ‘watchdog role’ is clearly incompatible with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.”
The letter, read in part: “Political expression is a fundamental right. The threat by the NBC creates a significant risk that legitimate expression may be prohibited.”
“Such unlawful prohibition may prevent transparency and dissemination of information on legitimate issues of public interest around the 2023 general elections.”
“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The threat may produce a direct impact on the work of broadcast stations in ways that are inconsistent with the right to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.”
“Your government has a legal responsibility to ensure an environment in which a diverse range of political opinions and ideas around the general elections can be freely and openly expressed and debated.”
“The threat by the NBC is neither necessary nor proportionate, as it would unduly intrude upon Nigerians’ right to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.”
“The use of vague and undefined phrases such as ‘unpatriotic individuals’ ‘subversive, hateful, and inciting utterances, particularly post-election’, as grounds to threaten to shut down broadcast stations is inconsistent and incompatible with human rights requirements.”
“The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties impose legal obligations on your government to refrain from imposing restrictions which are not consistent with human rights requirements, including on discussion of political and election-related issues.”
“It is also inconsistent with constitutional and international human rights requirements to threaten broadcast stations solely for their coverage of the issues around the general elections on the basis of vague phrases such as ‘unguarded statements, divisive and dangerous comments’, ‘negative conversations’ used by the NBC.”
“The threat may stifle reporting on political and election-related issues, as well as have a deterrent effect on the public’s exercise of their right to freedom of expression on political and election-related issues, in particular issues deemed controversial or critical.”
“The threat also represents a serious hindrance to the exercise of journalism, media diversity and media freedom, and participation.”
“This kind of threat to journalism has furthermore serious implications on the public’s right to information, in particular in the context of the general elections where the role of the media is of particular importance.”
“SERAP notes that Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party protect everyone’s right to maintain an opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers.”
“Under the Constitution and these human rights treaties, restrictions on the right to freedom of expression must be ‘provided by law’, and necessary for ‘the rights or reputations of others’ or ‘for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health and morals’.”
“Similarly, the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties provide for the rights of individuals to be protected, inter alia, against unlawful or arbitrary interference, and provide that everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference.”
“‘Unlawful’ means that no interference may take place except in cases envisaged by the law which in itself must comply with the requirements of human rights and the rule of law.”
“Media coverage of the general elections and post-election matters, and media freedom are closely connected, as access to information is an essential requirement for the realization of the rights to freedom of expression and participation.”
“Similarly, phrases such as ‘unguarded statements, divisive and dangerous comments’, ‘negative conversations’ used by the NBC lack sufficient clarity and can be arbitrarily or discriminatorily applied and enforced.”
“The ‘last warning’ and threat by the NBC would seem not to meet the strict requirements of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. In particular, it is unclear the scope or object of what these wordings seek to prohibit.”
“Under the constitutional and international requirement of legality, it is not enough that restrictions on freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom are formally stated in press releases and regulations.”
“The NBC legislation and codes do not confer unfettered discretion for the restriction of freedom of expression on those charged with their implementation.”
“The requirement of legality also serves to define the scope of legal discretion conferred on implementing authorities in order to provide adequate protection against arbitrary implementation.”
“General prohibitions on the dissemination of information based on vague and ambiguous ideas, including ‘unguarded statements, divisive and dangerous comments’, ‘negative conversations’ are incompatible with legal requirements and should be immediately withdrawn.”
“According to our information, Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Tuesday 7 March 2023 reportedly made the NBC’s ‘last warning to broadcast stations’. The NBC ‘will not hesitate to shut down any station or revoke its licence once it is convinced that the activities of the station is capable of undermining the peaceful co-existence of the country.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over a fake online recruitment notice claiming that the commission has commenced the recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC issued the warning on Monday, August 31, 2026, following the circulation of a message online directing prospective applicants to a website purportedly created for the recruitment exercise.
The electoral commission dismissed the information as false, stressing that the recruitment notice and website did not originate from it.
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In a statement, INEC said, “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a message circulating online claiming that the Commission is currently recruiting and training ad-hoc staff for the 2027 General Election.”
The commission further clarified that the website being circulated is not its official recruitment portal.
“This information is not from INEC. The website/link being circulated is NOT an official INEC recruitment portal,” INEC stated.
The electoral body warned Nigerians against clicking on the link or providing personal information through the platform, particularly as fraudulent recruitment websites can be used to obtain sensitive details or solicit payments.
“Members of the public are strongly advised NOT to click on the link, submit personal information, upload documents or make any payment through the platform,” the commission warned.
INEC advised members of the public to rely only on its verified communication channels and official websites for information concerning recruitment and election-related activities.
“INEC’s official recruitment and election-related announcements are published through the Commission’s verified communication channels and official websites,” it said.
The commission directed Nigerians seeking authentic information to visit its official website, inecnigeria.org.
INEC also noted that it had previously warned the public about fraudulent websites and fake recruitment advertisements purporting to originate from the commission.
The electoral body urged Nigerians to disregard the latest notice and avoid further circulating it.
“Please disregard and do not circulate this false recruitment notice,” INEC said.
The commission concluded its warning with an appeal to Nigerians to verify the authenticity of online information before clicking on links or submitting personal details.
“Stay informed. Stay safe. Always verify before you click,” INEC stated.
Several opposition political leaders and prominent figures have converged on Abuja for a summit aimed at forging a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The meeting, being held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, attracted notable opposition figures including the Peoples Redemption Party presidential candidate, Donald Duke; Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewale Adebayo; and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.
SEE MORE: ‘APC Is Irredeemable’ — Ex-Minister Timipre Sylva Dumps Party, Blasts Tinubu Govt
The summit was convened by political pressure group G-100 as part of efforts to bring opposition parties together to mount a stronger challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Also attending the gathering are the Allied Peoples Movement vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura; PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed; SDP vice-presidential candidate, Usman Bugaje; and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, and G-100 Convener, Salihu Lukman, are also among those participating in the summit.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Lukman urged opposition parties to put aside their differences and work towards a common objective of advancing the interests of Nigerians.
He stressed that the proposed cooperation was not about forcing political parties to dissolve or abandon their identities, but about creating a platform where they could work together towards a shared goal.
“We are not asking any political party to dissolve. Let us agree that we must build the table before negotiating the seats,” Lukman said.
The summit comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political actors exploring possible alliances and coalition arrangements.
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, describing the ruling party as “irredeemable” and accusing the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of disappointing Nigerians.
Sylva announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
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Copies of the letter were sent to the APC National Chairman, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the chairman of the APC in Bayelsa State.
The former minister, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he took the decision after consulting his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
Sylva said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders, according to him, had embraced the belief that “all is fair in politics.”
He said, “Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect.
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.”
He added, “Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.”
Sylva attacks Tinubu administration
Sylva also criticised the APC-led Federal Government, saying it had disappointed the majority of Nigerians.
“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he stated.
Describing the APC as a “floundering ship,” Sylva said he had no choice but to leave the party.
“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities,” he said.
The former governor also expressed confidence that Nigerians would vote for change in the 2027 general elections.
“I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” Sylva stated.
Why Sylva copied EFCC
The former minister also explained his decision to copy the EFCC in his resignation letter.
Sylva acknowledged that the move could lead to increased scrutiny of him and his associates by the anti-graft agency, but said he was prepared to face whatever consequences might arise.
“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he said.
Resignation amid alleged coup plot investigation
Sylva’s resignation comes amid allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration.
The Federal Government previously named him as a suspect in a wider investigation into an alleged coup plot uncovered in 2025. Sylva has repeatedly denied involvement in the alleged plot.
The development had led to the arrest and prosecution of several military and civilian suspects.
In April 2026, six defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including treason, terrorism and money laundering.
Reports published in August also alleged that Sylva was linked to the financing of the purported coup plot. However, the former governor has denied the allegations.
The controversy had earlier intensified in October 2025 following a military operation at Sylva’s Abuja residence.
Sylva confirmed that soldiers from Defence Headquarters raided the property but rejected any suggestion that he was involved in a plan to overthrow the government, describing the operation as unjustified.
His resignation comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ruling APC and opposition forces positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested election.
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