A presidential aspirant on the platform of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, on Tuesday said Nigeria is drifting dangerously.

His remarks came after the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) cautioned broadcasters against bullying of guests, misuse of platforms and other code breaches ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NBC warned that henceforth, any anchor or presenter found to have “expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views” would be held accountable.

“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, the Commission, hereby, notifies all broadcasters and stakeholders that it will enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly those relating to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement and respect for constitutional bodies.”

Reacting to this development in a post on his X handle, the former governor of Anambra State said the recent notice by the National Broadcasting Commission, especially at this critical time of the general elections, is “very troubling.”

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP in the 2023 general elections said a free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration, especially one that claims to have fought for democracy.

He said Nigeria does not need stronger control but stronger institutions.

Obi said he stood in solidarity with Nigeria’s media houses and broadcasters who are standing against this attempt to silence independent voices and restrict free expression.

The post titled ‘Yesterday’s Advocates of democracy, Today’s Oppressor of the Press’ @PeterObi read in part, “At a time when our nation should be strengthening its vital democratic institutions, we are witnessing a pattern that shows the opposite.

“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. Institutions are not built to serve governments; they are built to serve the people.

“At a time when insecurity is on the rise, young Nigerians are losing faith in the country, and the economy continues to fail the average citizen. Our focus should not be on controlling media narratives, but on delivering results.

“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. A new Nigeria is possible.” (TRIBUNE)

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