Peter Obi warns against NBC’S “attempt to silence media,” says yesterday’s democracy advocates now oppress the press

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Prominent African Democratic Congress (ADC) leader and 2027 presidential aspirant Mr Peter Obi has cautioned that Nigeria is “drifting dangerously” following the Formal Notice issued last week by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to broadcasters.

In a statement titled “Yesterday’s Advocates of Democracy, Today’s Oppressor of the Press”, Obi said the directive comes at a time when Nigeria should be strengthening democratic institutions, not undermining them. He described the notice, particularly in the context of the approaching general elections, as “very troubling.”

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, stressed that a free and responsible media should never be treated as an enemy of government. “The media is the conscience of the nation,” he said, warning that attempts to stifle voices, moderate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weaken Nigeria’s fragile democracy.

He argued that institutions exist to serve the people, not governments, and urged authorities to focus on addressing insecurity, economic hardship, and the frustrations of young Nigerians rather than controlling media narratives.

“Nigeria does not need stronger control. Nigeria needs stronger institutions. I stand in solidarity with Nigeria’s media houses and broadcasters who are resisting this attempt to silence independent voices and restrict free expression,” Obi declared.

He concluded by calling for a return to transparency, accountability, and independence across government agencies. “We cannot continue to endanger our democracy,” he said.