Journalists were barred from covering President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address at the National Assembly, despite holding valid accreditation.
The restriction sparked outrage among media professionals, who called it a violation of press freedom and a threat to transparency.
Journalists assigned to cover events at the National Assembly were on Thursday stopped from entering the chamber where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was scheduled to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives. The event formed part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.
Although many reporters had valid accreditation tags, they were turned away by security operatives guarding the gallery, which is the area usually designated for members of the press. President Tinubu was expected to deliver his address at noon, marking the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Security officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Sergeant-at-Arms, and other personnel on duty insisted that only individuals with “special accreditation” were allowed into the chamber. This instruction left several journalists stranded, unable to perform their duties.
Among those affected were reporters from major media outlets such as The Guardian, TVC News, The Punch, Vanguard, News Central, The Nation, and ITV. Surprisingly, while accredited press members were restricted, several political aides and individuals with unclear roles were seen entering the chamber freely.
Journalists were advised to watch the proceedings from television screens at the National Assembly media center instead. Members of the press corps have condemned the action, describing it as a violation of press freedom and a move that hinders transparent coverage of a national event.
