By AMINU GARKO

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Sunday welcomed former governor and senator, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his return as a major boost to the party in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued in Kano by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.

Yusuf said that a date would be fixed, in consultation with the national secretariat of the party, for the formal reception of the former governor into the APC fold.

He said the party in Kano State continued to witness growing support and consolidation, positioning itself as the most dominant political force in the state.

The governor further said thatAPC remained battle-ready to win all elective positions in the upcoming elections, citing unity and strategic alignments as key factors driving the party’s confidence.

He further assured party members and supporters that APC leadership was committed to strengthening internal cohesion and expanding its grassroots base across the state.

Yusuf called on party faithful to remain steadfast and continue mobilising support as the party prepares for future political contests.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Shekarau announced his decision while addressing supporters at his Mundubawa residence in Kano on Sunday.

The two-term former governor said that the decision followed wide consultations with his political group and after weighing so many options.

“We took the decision after wide deliberations and weighing several options which include joining the APC after realising that PDP is facing so many challenges.

“We cannot align with ADC, a party filled up with people of personal interests, a party struggling to gain its feet,” Shekarau was reported as saying. (NAN)

Atiku faults NBC advisory, raises concerns over attempt to shrink media freedom

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the recent code of conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), warning that it poses a threat to media freedom in Nigeria.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Atiku described the directive as a “troubling attempt” to stifle free expression, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

“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,” the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wrote.

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.

Our media industry has grown into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience…

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) April 18, 2026

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain further argued that Nigeria’s media industry had earned global respect for its resilience and professionalism, making the timing of the NBC’s directive concerning.

“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,” Atiku added.

He also questioned the intent behind the directive, suggesting that the “tone of these regulations exposes a deeper agenda and signals a government more interested in controlling narratives than permitting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process”.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has also criticised the NBC’s notice.

It described the notice as one which “unduly restrictive and invasive controls on the media and journalists”.

“The bizarre notice issued by NBC is an attempt to pressure journalists and media organizations into self-censorship,” it said on its X handle.

In a statement dated April 17, the NBC said it had observed a “sustained increase” in breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, especially in news and political programmes.

It warned broadcasters to uphold “accuracy, balance, and professionalism” ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing “strict and uncompromised compliance.”

PRESS RELEASE!!! pic.twitter.com/eAmQNeqQaE

— nbcgovng (@nbcgovng) April 18, 2026

The commission cited declining standards, including presenters who “express personal opinions as fact,” deny fair hearing, or intimidate guests.

It also flagged misuse of platforms to spread “hate speech” and “divisive content.”

The NBC said violations would “attract regulatory sanctions,” stressing that compliance is “mandatory, not discretionary.” (Channels TV)