Atiku Abubakar Rejects NBC's Advisory on Free Speech

Atiku Abubakar has publicly rejected an advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) that cautions broadcasters against bias and hate speech in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. He described the advisory as an attempt to stifle free speech at a time when Nigeria's broadcasting industry is gaining global respect.

Abubakar expressed concern that the NBC often resorts to heavy-handed tactics whenever elections approach, warning that such measures risk silencing dissent rather than promoting ethical journalism. He emphasized that the advisory signals a broader agenda to control public narratives ahead of the elections, questioning the timing and tone of the NBC's regulations.

Abubakar urged the media industry to resist censorship and uphold ethical standards, asserting that these standards should not be weaponized during election campaigns. He called for a commitment to free, fair, and transparent electoral processes in Nigeria.