Obi Critiques NBC's Media Advisory, Warns of Press Freedom Threat

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission's (NBC) recent media advisory, which he believes poses a significant threat to press freedom in Nigeria. In a statement posted on Tuesday, Obi highlighted the troubling developments surrounding broadcast regulations and linked them to a broader concern about the country's democratic integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He criticized the NBC's warning regarding professional ethics breaches, which included restrictions on expressing personal opinions and ensuring balanced reporting. Obi argued that such regulatory actions could weaken an already fragile democracy and intimidate journalists, thereby stifling diverse opinions.

He stressed that the focus should be on addressing pressing national issues such as insecurity and economic hardship rather than restricting media freedom. Obi expressed solidarity with media organizations and insisted that Nigeria requires stronger institutions rather than tighter controls over the media, which he believes endangers democracy.