Atiku Abubakar Denounces National Broadcasting Commission Directive as Strategic Plot to Muzzle Nigerian Media

Former VP Atiku Abubakar accuses the NBC of muzzling the media through new directives ahead of 2027 polls, warning against the suppression of free expression.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 3:46 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP Media Group

The Conflict Over Broadcast Editorial Independence

A significant rift has emerged between the Nigerian government's regulatory body and the political opposition regarding the boundaries of broadcast journalism. The National Broadcasting Commission recently released an advisory intended to regulate the conduct of media presenters, specifically warning against the presentation of subjective opinions as objective facts. This move, framed by the commission as a necessary step to curb misinformation, has triggered immediate backlash from high ranking political figures who view the timing of the directive as a direct threat to democratic discourse.

Atiku Labels Advisory a Creeping Censorship

Responding to the development via social media, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar characterized the regulatory intervention as a troubling attempt to shrink the space for free expression within the country. Atiku argued that the Nigerian media has established itself as a globally respected institution and should not be subjected to heavy handed directives. According to Atiku, the sudden enforcement of these guidelines as the nation approaches a critical electoral cycle is alarming and suggests a move toward state sanctioned censorship of the airwaves.

Weaponizing Ethics in a Campaign Environment

The former Vice President expressed concern that ethical standards in journalism are being utilized as seasonal tools rather than permanent professional pillars. Atiku suggested that the tone of the advisory indicates a deeper agenda by the current administration to weaponize regulatory frameworks against media platforms. By framing the directive as an attempt to stifle dissent, the opposition leader is positioning the broadcast industry as a battleground for the preservation of constitutional freedoms and the resistance of government control over public narratives.