Atiku Slams NBC Over Election Advisory, Says ‘It’s An Attempt To Muzzle Media’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted a recent election-related advisory by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), warning that it could erode press freedom and limit free expression ahead of upcoming polls.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Saturday, Atiku described the directive as “another troubling attempt to muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression in Nigeria.”

LEADERSHIP reported on Saturday that the NBC had issued the advisory to media practitioners, citing what it termed a growing decline in professionalism among broadcast anchors and presenters. The commission warned that breaches of its code would attract sanctions as the 2027 general election draws closer.

According to the regulator, any anchor who “expresses personal opinion as fact, bullies or intimidates a guest, or denies fair hearing to opposing views” would be classified as committing a Class B offence. The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the Public Affairs Department, and signed by NBC management.

Reacting, Atiku argued that Nigeria’s media industry has earned global recognition for its resilience and professionalism, and should not be subjected to what he described as recurring regulatory pressure, particularly during election cycles.

He said such interventions risked distorting the media’s role rather than strengthening ethical standards, adding, “Our media industry has grown into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience and professionalism.”

The former vice president also questioned the timing of the advisory, suggesting it points to a broader attempt to influence political narratives instead of reinforcing journalistic integrity.

“Ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns; they are constant obligations,” he stated.

Atiku further expressed solidarity with journalists and broadcasters, warning against what he termed creeping censorship.

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

He cautioned that excessive regulation of broadcasting during election periods could weaken democratic accountability and erode public confidence in the electoral process.