SERAP Calls on President Buhari to Withdraw Statement Regarding Potential Closure of Broadcast Stations for Election Coverage

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has implored President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government to rescind their warning to shut down broadcast stations for their coverage of elections. Last week, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) declared that it would not hesitate to revoke the license of any broadcaster that jeopardizes the peace of Nigeria. Following a meeting between NBC’s Director-General, Balarabe Ilelah and broadcast stations on the coverage of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, the Commission warned media organisations that further breaches of the Broadcasting Code would not be tolerated.

In a statement on Sunday, March 12, SERAP requested President Buhari to instruct the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to withdraw their ‘last warning’ and threat to revoke the licenses of broadcast stations and shut them down over their coverage of elections and post-election matters. SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, argued that such a prohibition would limit freedom of expression and the ability of broadcast stations to cover important issues around the 2023 general elections. He added that it would also prevent transparency and dissemination of information on legitimate issues of public interest around the 2023 general elections. SERAP concluded by giving President Buhari 48 hours to respond to their request or face legal action.