Kano Government Bans Live Political Programmes, Sparking Censorship Concerns

The Kano State Government has banned all live political programmes across media platforms in the state, a move that has drawn strong backlash from press freedom advocates and civil society groups.

The ban, announced on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, came after a closed-door meeting with media executives. The announcement was contained in an official statement signed by Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties at the Ministry.

As part of the new policy, all individuals invited to speak on-air must now sign a written undertaking pledging to avoid abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks. Broadcasters and presenters are also restricted from asking what the government has termed "provocative questions" or making gestures likely to elicit controversial responses that could tarnish the state's image.

Defending the policy, Waiya stated that the intention is not to stifle freedom of expression or silence political opposition, but to safeguard Kano’s “cultural and religious values.”

“Our goal is responsible communication that respects our values,” he said. “This policy is about protecting our dignity, not about targeting opposition voices.”

Waiya claimed the state had already made "remarkable progress" in curbing hate speech and unethical media practices through collaboration with broadcasters and media stakeholders.

However, critics have dismissed the government’s explanation, warning that the new policy is a thinly veiled attempt to suppress dissent and control the political narrative in the state.

“This is censorship disguised as cultural protection,” said a Kano-based journalist who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. “Banning live political debates and policing journalists' questions is a dangerous precedent — it shrinks civic space and weakens democracy.”

The development comes amid rising concerns over press freedom in Kano. The recent detention of Kano Times editor Buhari Abba and investigative journalist Ismail Auwal — reportedly on the orders of Commissioner Waiya following critical reporting — has fueled accusations of media repression.

Human rights organizations have called on the Kano government to reverse the ban and respect constitutional guarantees of free speech.

“Protecting cultural values should not come at the expense of free expression and the public’s right to information,” read a statement from a local press advocacy group. “True democracy thrives on robust dialogue, not silence.”

As public outcry grows, all eyes are now on the state government to see whether it will reconsider its stance or continue down a path critics fear could erode democratic freedoms in Kano.