Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the recent advisory by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as an attempt to silence the media and restrict free expression.
In a post on his official X handle, the former vice-president said the directive raises concerns about shrinking democratic space ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The Code of Conduct advisory issued by the NBC is yet another troubling attempt to muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression in Nigeria,” he said.
Atiku said Nigeria’s media industry has earned global respect for its resilience and professionalism, warning against what he described as recurring “heavy-handed directives” during election periods.
He said such measures do more to suppress dissent than to promote ethical journalism.
His comments come after NBC warned that it would sanction journalists and broadcast stations that express personal opinions in place of neutrality.
Reacting, Atiku said he stands with media organisations resisting what he termed “creeping censorship”.
“I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship,” he said.
He added that ethical standards should not be selectively enforced during election periods.
“Ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns; they are constant obligations,” he said.
Atiku said the timing and tone of the directive suggest a deeper agenda by the government.
“It signals a government more interested in controlling narratives than permitting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process,” he added.
