Peter Obi condemns NBC notice, warns of media suppression in Nigeria

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized a recent notice from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on his X page on Tuesday, April 20, 2026, calling it an attempt to stifle press freedom. He said a free and responsible media should not be seen as an enemy, stressing that "the media is the conscience of the nation" and warning that any move to silence or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation weakens democracy. Obi argued that institutions must serve the people, not the government, and that actions perceived as limiting freedom of expression erode public trust. He linked the NBC directive to broader national challenges, noting rising insecurity, economic hardship and growing citizen frustration, and urged authorities to focus on solving these issues rather than controlling narratives. Obi expressed support for media organisations and broadcasters, calling for stronger institutions instead of tighter control. His remarks follow similar criticisms from figures like Atiku Abubakar and Amnesty International, who have also denounced the NBC's Code of Conduct advisory as an attempt to silence the press. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between media freedom and regulatory oversight in Nigeria's democratic space.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/21/obi-faults-nbc-notice-warns-against-media-suppression/