By Augustine Akhilomen
Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar has described the Code of Conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission as a threat to press freedom in Nigeria.
Atiku made this known via his official X handle, where he criticised president Bola Tinubu’s administration for making an attempt to silence the media ahead of the 2027 election.
Recall that 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
However, Atiku insisted that such measures could distort the role of the media instead of protecting ethical standards.
He also argued that ethics should not be used selectively during campaigns, insisting they remain constant obligations.
“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.”