The campaign team of Garba Muhammad, a leading candidate for the presidency of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has raised concerns over threats to his life.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 22, 2024, the Chairman of his Campaign Council, Daharatu Ahmed Aliyu, disclosed that Muhammad received a threatening text message on Wednesday evening, November 20, from an unregistered number. The message warned: *“You are on high kill contract so you have to be very careful.”*
Aliyu revealed that the sender's number became inactive shortly after the message was sent. She described the threat as a disturbing escalation in the ongoing NUJ presidential race.
“This election is supposed to be a family affair, not a war,” Aliyu stated. She also alleged that other key supporters of Muhammad, who is the News Express Regional Editor (North), have received similar threats.
“On the same day, a member of the campaign council was also called and threatened by two candidates, just as our candidate received the text message. Mud-slinging, blackmail, and name-calling seem to have failed, so they have resorted to sending threats using unregistered numbers,” she added.
Aliyu condemned the tactics as unacceptable, urging the NUJ to discourage such practices. “This is not acceptable and should be discouraged. Journalism should not tolerate these trends,” she said.
The matter has been reported to relevant security agencies, and the campaign team has called for a thorough investigation. Aliyu expressed faith in divine protection, stating: “Power comes from God. Our lives and destinies are in His hands, and no individual or group can alter that. We are trusting in Him for protection and victory in all our endeavors, *in shaa Allahu*.”
She urged Muhammad’s supporters to remain steadfast, despite the threats. “We appeal to all our supporters to remain resolute and focused. No form of intimidation or harassment can derail the path to success and divine victory in this campaign.”
The incident has heightened tensions ahead of the NUJ election, sparking calls for calm and adherence to ethical practices in journalism and union politics.
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