Garba Muhammad, a leading contender for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) presidency, has reported receiving a chilling death threat amid the ongoing election campaign.
The Chairman of Muhammad’s Campaign Council, Daharatu Ahmed Aliyu, disclosed the incident in a statement sharing evidence of the threat. According to the statement, Muhammad received a text message on Wednesday evening, November 20, 2024, which read:
“You are on high kill contract so you have to be very careful.”
The threatening message reportedly came from an unregistered number that became inactive shortly after the text was sent.
Aliyu expressed dismay at the escalating tensions surrounding the NUJ election, condemning the use of intimidation tactics.
“This election should be a unifying process, not a battlefield,” Aliyu stated. “It is alarming that mudslinging and blackmail have now given way to direct threats to life.”
She revealed that other key members of Muhammad’s campaign team have also faced harassment. On the same evening the death threat was received, two other candidates allegedly threatened a campaign council member.
The campaign team has reported the matter to security agencies, urging a swift investigation to identify the perpetrators.
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“Power belongs to God, and no one can alter destiny,” Aliyu declared. “We trust in God for protection and victory.”
She also called on supporters to remain steadfast, emphasizing that no form of intimidation could derail the campaign’s mission.
The NUJ presidential race has seen heightened tensions, with allegations of blackmail and harassment casting a shadow over the electoral process. Muhammad, who serves as the News Express Regional Editor (North), has emerged as a prominent candidate, drawing both support and opposition within the union.
Aliyu urged NUJ stakeholders to condemn such practices, stressing that they threaten the integrity of journalism and democratic values.
“This tradition of using threats and unregistered numbers to intimidate candidates is unacceptable and must not take root in journalism or any democratic process,” she said.
Despite the threats, Muhammad’s campaign remains resolute. Aliyu encouraged supporters to stay focused and assured them of divine victory.
“No amount of intimidation can derail our determination for success,” she concluded.
