NBC Reads Riot Act to Broadcasters: No Bias, No Bullying Ahead of 2027

Broadcasting commission reads riot act ahead of general election

The National Broadcasting Commission has issued a formal warning to all broadcast stations in Nigeria, telling presenters and anchors to stop bullying guests, misusing their platforms, and violating the Nigeria Broadcasting Code as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Friday, April 17, the NBC said it had observed a “sustained increase” in breaches of the 6th edition of the broadcasting code. The commission specifically called out presenters who verbally attack guests, push partisan agendas under the guise of journalism, and use their platforms to settle personal scores.

The NBC’s director general made clear that stations would face sanctions, including fines and potential license revocation, if the violations continue. The warning covers bias in political coverage, intimidation of guests during live programmes, and the use of broadcast platforms to promote ethnic or religious divisions.

This is not the first time the NBC has tried to rein in broadcast excesses during election season. Similar warnings were issued before the 2023 general elections, though enforcement remained inconsistent. Several stations were fined for violations during that cycle, but critics argued the penalties were too little and too late.

What makes this year different is the charged political atmosphere. With the PDP fracturing, the ADC struggling for recognition, and the APC consolidating, broadcast outlets have become the primary battleground for narrative control. Talk shows and morning programmes on both radio and television have grown increasingly combative, with presenters openly aligning with political factions rather than maintaining the impartiality the code demands.

Broadcast industry groups have responded cautiously. Some welcomed the NBC’s stance, saying the profession needed cleaning up. Others questioned whether the commission would apply its rules equally across all stations, regardless of ownership or political alignment.

For ordinary Nigerians, the question is whether this warning will translate into real accountability or whether it will be business as usual once the campaign season heats up. Past experience suggests the latter, but the NBC insists this time will be different.

Sources: ICIR Nigeria, GlobalUpfront, BizWatch Nigeria, CEOAfrica, GNATV