Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised a recent election-related advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission, warning that it could stifle press freedom and restrict free expression ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NBC had released an advisory to media practitioners on Friday, raising concerns about what it described as declining professionalism among broadcast anchors and presenters.
In the statement issued via its Facebook page, the commission warned that violations of its code would attract sanctions as the election season approaches.
It stated that any anchor who “expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views” would be deemed to have committed a Class B breach.
Reacting on Saturday via his 𝕏 handle, Atiku condemned the directive, describing it as an attempt to suppress the media.
“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,” he said.
The former presidential candidate argued that Nigeria’s media industry has earned global respect and should not be subjected to what he termed recurring regulatory pressure, especially during election cycles.
“Our media industry has grown into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience and professionalism,” he added.
Atiku expressed concern over the timing of the advisory, suggesting it could be aimed at controlling political narratives rather than promoting ethical journalism.
He further stressed that professional ethics should not be selectively enforced.
“Ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns; they are constant obligations,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president also declared support for journalists and broadcasters, cautioning against what he described as creeping censorship.
“I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship,” he said.
Atiku warned that excessive media regulation during election periods could undermine democratic accountability and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
According to him, restricting the media space at such a critical time risks weakening transparency and limiting citizens’ access to diverse viewpoints.