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Former Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi has accused the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of attempting to stifle press freedom ahead of the 2027 election.
The NBC, in a notice issued on April 17, 2026, threatened to impose sanctions on broadcast stations and presenters expressing personal opinions, alleged ‘bullying or intimidation’ of guests, and failure to maintain neutrality.
Obi, in a statement shared on X on Tuesday, described NBC’s recent notice as a troubling trend.
Yesterday’s Advocates of democracy, Today’s Oppressor of the Press
Nigeria is drifting dangerously.
At a time when our nation should be strengthening its vital democratic institutions, we are witnessing a pattern that shows the opposite. The recent notice by the National…— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) April 21, 2026
“A free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration, especially one that claims to have fought for democracy. The media is the conscience of the nation. Attempting to stifle voices, moderate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens our already fragile democracy,” said Obi.
He added that Nigerians are increasingly losing faith in the country as challenges such as insecurity continue to plague their lives. According to him, public institutions should not focus on controlling the media, but on delivering tangible results and solving the problems Nigerians groan about.
“Nigeria does not need stronger control. Nigeria needs stronger institutions. I stand in solidarity with Nigeria’s media houses and broadcasters who are standing against this attempt to silence independent voices and restrict free expression,” Obi added.
“We must return to the path of transparency, accountability, and true independence of all arms and agencies of government. We cannot continue to endanger our democracy.”
Obi’s remarks come two days after the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to withdraw the recent NBC’s directive.
