A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent code of conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as an attempt to stifle press freedom ahead of the country’s 2027 general elections. 

On his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Mr Abubakar wrote on Saturday that the commission’s directive is troubling for the media and freedom of expression in the country. 

“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,” Mr Atiku said.

He added that he stood firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting the “creeping censorship.”

According to him, ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns; they are constant obligations.

Mr Atiku said the timing and tone of the regulations expose a deeper agenda, adding that the government signals a desire to control the narrative rather than permit a free, fair and transparent electoral process.