•Atiku
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the recent advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as an attempt to suppress media freedom and restrict free expression in the country.
The NBC had in a statement on Friday cautioned broadcasters against bullying of guests, misuse of platforms and other code breaches ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commission expressed concerns over increase in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs and political programmes, reports Sunday Trust.
“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, the Commission, hereby, notifies all broadcasters and stakeholders that it will enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly, those relating to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement and respect for constitutional bodies.” it said.
The NBC warned that henceforth, any anchor or presenter found to have “expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views” would be held accountable.
But in a statement on his social media platforms yesterday, Atiku said the directive was an attempt to muzzle the media at a time when the nation’s broadcast industry has earned global respect for its resilience and professionalism.
He expressed concern that the NBC often resorts to what he termed “heavy-handed directives” whenever elections approach, warning that such measures risk silencing dissent rather than promoting ethical journalism.
“The Code of Conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission is yet another troubling attempt to muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression in Nigeria.
“Our media industry has grown into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience and professionalism. It is therefore alarming that, each time elections approach, the NBC resorts to heavy-handed directives that do more to silence dissent than to uphold ethical journalism.
“I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship.” Atiku said.
He further questioned the timing and tone of the NBC’s regulations, alleging that they point to a broader agenda of controlling public narratives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Let it be clear: ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns, they are constant obligations.”
“The timing and tone of these regulations expose a deeper agenda. It signals a government more interested in controlling narratives than permitting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.” he added.
