Atiku opposes NBC advisory code, calls it attempt to muzzle media 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the Code of Conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as another troubling attempt to muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression in Nigeria.

In a post on his X handle, the presidential candidate aspirant on the platform of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC)

He said the timing and tone of these regulations exposed a deeper agenda and signalled a government more interested in controlling narratives than permitting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 general elections, said he stood “firmly” with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting what he called “this creeping censorship.”

“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.

“Let it be clear: ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns, they are constant obligations,” part of the tweet read.

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The NBC has cautioned broadcasters against bullying of guests, misuse of platforms and other code breaches ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, the commission expressed concerns over an increase in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs and political programmes.

The NBC, which said some broadcast platforms have strayed from their core obligation of creating awareness with accuracy and professionalism, stated that it would adopt a firm stance on enforcement.

Quoting the Code, the NBC referenced Section 1.10.3 which states that “the broadcaster shall ensure that its presenter does not express his or her opinion in the programme, as a matter of professional standard.”

It also cited Section 3.3.1(b), which provides that “all sides to any issue of public interest are equitably presented for fairness and balance,” and Section 3.4.1(b), which requires that “all sides to an issue are equitably presented, preferably in the same broadcast.”

It also referenced Section 5.3.3(b), which states: “The broadcaster shall, in using political materials for news and current affairs programme, avoid hate speech, inflammatory, derogatory and divisive remarks or allusions.”

The commission said it has recorded a rising trend of violations across party lines on the misuse of platforms by political actors.

The NBC warned that henceforth, any anchor or presenter found to have “expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views” would be held accountable.