Nigeria’s Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar on Saturday criticised the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its recently issued Code of Conduct advisory.

Atiku in a statement on his social media platforms described such move as an attempt to stifle media freedom in Nigeria.

He said the directive raises serious concerns about press freedom and the shrinking space for free expression, particularly as the country moves closer to another election cycle.

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According to him, Nigeria’s media industry has evolved into a strong and globally respected institution, making it troubling that regulatory actions appear to intensify during election periods.

He accused the NBC of issuing heavy-handed directives that, in his view, suppress dissent rather than promote ethical journalism.

“I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship,” Atiku said.

He emphasised that ethical standards in journalism should not be selectively enforced, noting that they must remain consistent and not be used as tools during political campaigns.

He further said that the timing and tone of the advisory suggest a broader attempt to control public narratives rather than ensure a free and transparent electoral process.