Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the recent Code of Conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as an attempt to restrict press freedom and limit free expression in Nigeria.
Atiku spoke in a statement issued via his official X handle on Saturday. The statement read: “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.
“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.”
The NBC had issued a notice stating that broadcasters are expected to ensure neutrality and uphold ethical standards at all times.
It warned that any anchor or presenter found expressing personal opinions as fact, bullying or intimidating guests, denying opposing views a fair hearing, compromising neutrality, or showing disrespect for human dignity would be considered to be acting in violation of broadcast regulations.
The advisory has drawn sharp criticism from media stakeholders and opposition figures, who argue that it could be used to suppress dissenting voices ahead of key political events. Atiku’s remarks add to growing concerns over press freedom in Nigeria, where regulatory bodies have increasingly been accused of targeting critical media coverage.
