A civic advocacy group, iOccupy Nigeria, has questioned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its apparent approval of a radio station established for the 2027 re-election campaign of President Bola Tinubu.
The group raised concerns following the unveiling of Majority FM 89.5, a new radio station commissioned by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Radio Station Linked to Tinubu’s Campaign
Wike unveiled the radio station on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
The station operates from the office of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political support group backing Tinubu’s second-term bid.
According to reports, the station is part of efforts to mobilise political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, particularly in the South-South region.
Video sparks public reaction
In a video circulating on social media, Wike was seen inspecting the newly launched radio facility.
He moved through the studio, interacted with staff, and spoke on the station’s mission.
“This will take messages from all over the 666 units of Rivers state. We are ready for this job. We are ready for 2027,” Wike said during the commissioning.
The video triggered widespread reactions online, with critics questioning the legality of a political group operating a broadcast station.
iOccupy Nigeria Questions NBC’s Role
Reacting to the development, iOccupy Nigeria criticised the NBC for allegedly permitting the operation of the radio station.
The group said such approval contradicts existing broadcast regulations.
“For Nigeria, radio station no be campaign banner wey you print overnight,” the group wrote in a post on X.
“Law dey clear. NBC Code talk am. Politicians and political parties no suppose own or operate broadcast stations, directly or by proxy.”
The group further accused the NBC of failing in its regulatory duty.
“NBC, una dey regulate broadcasting or una don join APC campaign team?” the post added.
“Rule of law no be decoration. Nigeria no dey fail by accident. E dey fail because people wey suppose enforce law dey help break am.”
What the NBC Code says
According to the NBC Act and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, political parties are expressly barred from owning, establishing, or operating broadcast stations in Nigeria.
Specifically, the NBC Act (Third Schedule, Section 12(6)) states that the commission shall not grant a broadcast licence to a political party or a religious organisation.
As a result, the law limits broadcast licences to corporate entities registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), excluding political organisations.
Equal Airtime, Not Ownership
Instead of ownership, the broadcasting code requires all licensed stations — whether public or private — to provide equal airtime to all political parties, especially during election periods.
The provision aims to guarantee fairness, balance, and equal access to the media during campaigns.
As of the time of filing this report, the NBC has not responded to the allegations raised by iOccupy Nigeria.
