Kano Government Imposes Ban on Live Political Programmes

The Kano State Government has imposed a ban on live political programmes and introduced new media restrictions, raising concerns about press freedom and censorship.

The decision was announced on Wednesday after a meeting with media executives. Commissioner Ibrahim Waiya confirmed that all live political programming would be banned across media platforms in Kano. The directive, signed by Sani Abba Yola, also includes new rules for journalists and interviewees, who must now sign an undertaking not to make abusive or defamatory remarks. Presenters are prohibited from asking “provocative questions” or using gestures that could damage the state’s image.

Waiya defended the move, saying, “Our goal is responsible communication that respects our values. This policy is about protecting our dignity, not about targeting opposition voices.”

Despite these claims, the policy has drawn criticism from media professionals and human rights advocates. A Kano-based journalist said, “This is censorship disguised as cultural protection. Banning live political debates and policing journalists’ questions shrinks civic space and weakens democracy.”

Observers note the move as part of a wider effort to control media in the state. The arrest of Kano Times editor Buhari Abba and journalist Ismail Auwal after publishing a critical article has increased concerns.

Press freedom advocates have called for the government to reverse the policy, stating, “Protecting cultural values should not come at the expense of free expression and the public’s right to information. True democracy thrives on robust dialogue, not silence.”

The backlash continues to grow, and it remains unclear whether the government will revise its stance or continue with the media crackdown.