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Attacks on the media: IPI Nigeria urges President Tinubu to call Governor Bago to order.

Published

7 months ago

March 26, 2026

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what it describes as a pattern of actions by Mohammed Umar Bago that threaten press freedom, warning that such conduct undermines journalists’ ability to perform their constitutional duties within Niger State. The appeal was made in a formal statement issued by the institute’s Nigerian chapter, highlighting growing concerns about the safety and independence of the media.

In the statement jointly signed by Fidelis Mbah and Tobi Soniyi, Deputy President and Legal Adviser respectively, IPI Nigeria said recent actions linked to the Niger State governor and his aides have directly infringed on press freedom. The organisation cited the assault on a reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as the latest example of hostility toward journalists, stressing that such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent and troubling.

The journalist at the centre of the latest controversy, Musa Mikail, was reportedly attacked while covering a Ramadan Iftar event held at the palace of the Etsu Nupe in Bida on March 13, 2026. According to accounts, private security personnel allegedly acting on the directive of Shehu Abdullahi Maikano, the Chief Security Officer to Governor Bago, forced the reporter out of the venue after physically assaulting him.

Recounting the incident, Mikail said he and his cameraman were quietly performing their duties when confronted. He explained that despite clarifying they were not obstructing proceedings, the governor’s CSO allegedly pushed him, after which other security operatives joined in the assault and ejected him from the event. The account has since raised concerns among media stakeholders about the safety of journalists covering public functions in the state.

IPI Nigeria described the attack as part of a “disturbing trend” of violations against journalists, accusing Governor Bago’s administration of fostering an environment hostile to press freedom. The organisation noted that such repeated incidents not only intimidate reporters but also erode democratic accountability by restricting the free flow of information to the public.

The institute also pointed to earlier cases, including the detention of Ahmed Isah Sakpe, a reporter with Prestige FM in Minna, who was summoned by the police over alleged defamation of a government protocol officer. It further referenced the closure of Badeggi FM Radio in November 2025 on grounds that its broadcasts were deemed critical of the state government, describing the action as arbitrary and disproportionate.

Other incidents highlighted include the arrest of freelance journalist Ibrahim Ndamitso in May 2025 after he questioned the governor about insecurity, and the interrogation of journalist Yakubu Mustapha Bina by the State Security Service following a report about the governor’s convoy. IPI Nigeria also recalled the 2023 assault on Voice of America correspondent Mustapha Batsari by a senior state official within Government House, Minna.

According to IPI Nigeria, the cumulative effect of these incidents led to Governor Bago’s inclusion in its “Book of Infamy,” a publication that documents individuals and institutions accused of undermining press freedom. The list, unveiled in December 2025, underscores what the institute describes as persistent attempts by certain public officials to silence critical voices and suppress freedom of expression.

Reacting specifically to the assault on the NTA reporter, the organisation called on the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to launch an immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible, particularly the governor’s CSO, are held accountable. It stressed that failure to act decisively could embolden further attacks on journalists across the country.

IPI Nigeria reiterated that safeguarding press freedom is essential to democracy, urging federal authorities to take a firm stance against any abuse of power that targets the media. The organisation maintained that journalists must be allowed to operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence, warning that continued violations could damage Nigeria’s democratic credentials and global reputation.

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Just In: Court Nullifies Atiku’s Candidacy ,David Mark’s ADC Leadership

Published

2 hours ago

November 5, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

A federal high court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Peter Lifu, presiding judge, declared the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal, ruling in favour of Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former national deputy chairman (north-east) of the party.

Lifu also invalidated all decisions taken by the party’s caretaker committee, including the nomination of Atiku Abubakar as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

News

President Tinubu Departs Jeddah for Abuja After Completing Umrah

Published

16 hours ago

November 4, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja, following the successful completion of his Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

Accompanying Mr Tinubu to the airport were the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.

Before Mr Tinubu’s departure, he had a brief meeting with Mr Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Guest Palace at the airport.

While in Saudi Arabia, Mr Tinubu, alongside members of the Nigerian delegation, performed the Umrah rites, including circumambulating the Holy Ka’aba. On Sunday, Mr Tinubu was granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.

Mr Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the special courtesies and hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation, particularly the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’aba to offer prayers.

Members of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja, following the successful entourage included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among others.

News

2027: Atiku Kicks off Campaign in Sokoto

Published

16 hours ago

November 4, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) kicked off its presidential campaign rally for the 2027 presidential election in Sokoto State on Wednesday with crowd welcoming the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The party said thousands of supporters lined the route from Sultan Muhammad III International Airport to its state secretariat, where Atiku’s campaign rally was held.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said the former vice president’s motorcade took about three and a half hours to reach the rally venue due to the large turnout.

He said residents, including youths, women and elderly people, abandoned their businesses and other daily activities to join the procession and welcome the ADC candidate.

The campaign council described the turnout as spontaneous, dismissing suggestions that the crowd was mobilised through financial inducements.

It said the reception demonstrated growing support for Atiku’s promise to address the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, particularly the rising costs of food, transportation, fuel and other essential commodities.Nigeria travel guide

The ADC also accused the Sokoto State Government of frustrating its campaign activities by denying the party access to public facilities requested for the rally.

According to the campaign council, the alleged restrictions did not discourage supporters but rather heightened public resentment and strengthened the party’s mobilisation.

“The federal government and its APC allies should understand that denying people a venue cannot suppress their political choices. In Sokoto, those efforts backfired: the people came out in even greater numbers and made their voices heard,” the statement said.

At the rally, Atiku reiterated his commitment to addressing the cost-of-living crisis and restoring economic stability for households and businesses, according to the campaign council.

The former vice president proposed a targeted, production-based subsidy for qualifying petroleum products refined locally as part of his economic agenda.

The council said the proposed policy would link government support to domestic production, reduce fuel costs and ease the impact of high transportation and energy expenses on food prices and household budgets.

It said the proposal was designed to encourage local production while providing relief to Nigerians struggling with the removal of petroleum subsidy.Nigeria travel guide

The campaign council maintained that the ADC’s economic agenda was centred on making essential goods and services affordable, supporting local industries and addressing the hardship experienced by ordinary Nigerians.

“When you have a message that connects with the people, you do not need to rent a crowd. The people show up on their own,” Mr Shaibu said.