Atiku Faults NBC Advisory, Warns of Shrinking Media Freedom

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the National Broadcasting Commission’s recent code of conduct advisory, warning that it poses a threat to media freedom in Nigeria as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

In a post shared on X on Saturday, Atiku described the directive as a “troubling attempt” to stifle free expression, particularly concerning given the timing ahead of next year’s polls.

“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,” the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party wrote.

Media industry under threat

The African Democratic Congress chieftain argued that Nigeria’s media industry had earned global respect for its resilience and professionalism, making the timing of the NBC’s directive alarming.

“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,” Atiku added. “I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship.”

He questioned the intent behind the directive, suggesting that “the tone of these regulations exposes a deeper agenda and signals a government more interested in controlling narratives than permitting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process”.

Amnesty International joins criticism

Amnesty International has also criticised the NBC’s notice, describing it as imposing “unduly restrictive and invasive controls on the media and journalists”.

“The bizarre notice issued by NBC is an attempt to pressure journalists and media organizations into self-censorship,” the rights group said on its X handle.

In a statement dated April 17, the NBC said it had observed a “sustained increase” in breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, especially in news and political programmes. It warned broadcasters to uphold “accuracy, balance, and professionalism” ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources: Channels Television, allAfrica, Time.com, OGM News