Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the recent Code of Conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission, describing it as a troubling move capable of undermining press freedom and shrinking democratic space ahead of elections.
In a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku warned that the directive could stifle free expression and weaken Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly as political activities intensify.
“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,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate noted that Nigeria’s media industry has earned global respect for its resilience and professionalism, expressing concern that regulatory actions often become more restrictive during election periods.
“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,” Atiku said.
He further expressed solidarity with broadcasters and media organisations pushing back against what he described as growing censorship.
“I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship,” he added.
Atiku also argued that ethical journalism standards should not be selectively enforced during election seasons, stressing that such principles must remain consistent.
“Let it be clear: ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns, they are constant obligations,” he noted.
Raising concerns about the timing of the advisory, the former vice president suggested that the move could signal broader attempts to influence public discourse ahead of elections.
“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,” Atiku concluded.
His remarks come amid growing debate within Nigeria’s media and political circles over the role of regulatory bodies during election periods and the need to balance ethical broadcasting with press freedom.
