Atiku accuses Tinubu’s govt of plans to gag media, silence dissent ahead of 2027 elections

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of attempting to stifle the media ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku spoke in reaction to a recent code of conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing the directive as an effort to restrict free expression.

“The Code of Conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission is yet another troubling attempt to muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression in Nigeria,” he said.

Atiku said Nigeria’s media industry has earned global recognition for its resilience and professionalism.

“Our media industry has grown into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience and professionalism,” he said.

He alleged that such directives often surface during election periods and expressed support for media organisations resisting what he described as censorship.

“It is therefore alarming that, each time elections approach, the NBC resorts to heavy-handed directives that do more to silence dissent than to uphold ethical journalism.

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

“Let it be clear: ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns, they are constant obligations,” he said.

Atiku said the timing of the advisory raises concerns about the government’s intentions.

“The timing and tone of these regulations expose a deeper agenda. It signals a government more interested in controlling narratives than permitting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process,” he added.